New scheme launched to secure future of Community Fridge

A scheme to keep the much-loved Community Fridge running for years to come has launched, with local people encouraged to take part.

The Community Fridge has started a ‘Friends of the Fridge’ scheme, where local people can sign up to contribute between £5 and £50 a month, helping to cover the everyday costs of keeping the fridge project running.

This includes essential equipment like cleaning supplies, staffing, food labels, upkeep and repairs and more.

As a thank you, scheme participants will also be automatically entered into a prize draw

every six months, with the chance to win a hamper. Free postal entry will also be available, with no donation necessary.

Community Fridge Manager Terri Pitts said, “We want to give Frome the certainty that the Community Fridge will still be here, free for everyone to use, for years to come. That’s what Friends of the Fridge is all about. By becoming a Friend, you’re backing a community resource that belongs to everyone. You’re helping keep good food out of bins and helping local people stretch their food budgets. Even a small monthly donation can make a real difference.”

The Community Fridge launched in 2016 as a collaboration between Edventure Frome and Frome Town Council as the first Community Fridge in the UK. It rescues good food that might otherwise go to waste and shares it for free with all local residents.

Each year, Community Fridge Frome saves over 200 tonnes of food from going to waste.

The Community Fridge is open to everyone, from those looking to save money on food shopping, reduce food waste or make sure good food gets eaten. There are no forms, no referrals and no questions asked. Anyone can take food or share surplus food, to reduce food waste.

There are two Community Fridge locations in Frome: the Loop de Loop building in the Market Yard car park, open daily from 9am to 5pm, and the red brick building behind Frome Town Hall, open daily from 8am to 7pm.