Community Fridges in our Hubs

Our community fridges are different from traditional foodbanks as their main aim is to support our environmental values by reducing food waste by redistributing surplus food and avoiding landfills, which in turn reduces greenhouse gases. However, our fridges have become more popular with those who need that extra support, there’s also a social element as they build a real sense of community spirit amongst volunteers, staff and our communities.  

Our community fridges are managed by a team of amazing volunteers who organise food donations and work tirelessly liaising with local shops and supermarkets to ensure the fridges are well stocked, goods are distributed amongst our communities and the fridges are kept clean, amongst other support.

The fridges rely on generous donations from local retailers, including independent stores and large supermarket chains. 

Did you know …

Over 42,741 kilograms of food were donated and distributed to over 11,400 visitors last year alone (2023). The Family Hubs also provide cook-and-eat sessions, skill sharing, and other support services to help families make the most of the food they receive.  Here's what some of our staff and service users had to say.

I’d like to thank the fridge for the food I have received which has helped greatly. The pot luck nature of the donations has made me try foods I would have never tried otherwise. Staff are always kind and helpful. I have never felt judged. I feel blessed to have found this service and would recommend it to anyone

Impressed with the nature and the impact of the community fridge, I would like to volunteer to do my bit with this amazing project

One resident comes for whatever is leftover at the end of the day and takes the produce home to make and share recipes on our Facebook page, this could be overripe strawberries into jam, mint leaves into mint syrup, this means that there is literally no waste and there’s an element of teaching others how to use up food

What a massive difference this community fridge makes when I’m struggling. Perfect place, opening times and helpful volunteers

The family hub community fridges are open to anyone; there is no need for a referral. All you need to do is turn up with a carrier bag/backpack and you can take what you need.  Our community fridges operate from a selection of hubs and opening times vary please search for 'community fridges' in our What's On guide for times and locations.