Community Fridge – new project coming to Milton Keynes

Get funded to run an innovative project aiming at reducing food waste & helping people in need

What is the concept about?

Community fridges are a temporary home to unwanted food, be it surplus from retailers, eateries or households. The idea is that those who have no use for an item of food can see it go to someone who does. Money is saved and less food is consigned to the bin. Of course come with rules and food safety regulations fit for their host community.

Successful projects already under way in the UK…

The concept is simple but the implications are huge. Hubbub charity trialled a community fridge in 2016 as a part of Sainsbury’s Waste Less Save More in Swadlincote. Within 4 months 1.3 tonnes of food was exchanged in this small Derbyshire town, reaching 277 individuals and 11 community organisations.

The fridge and accompanying freezer in Swadlincote began life under lock and key, being highly regulated by the Community Voluntary Service managing the local food bank. After fears of misuse and vandalism were allayed a second fridge, open to anyone and everyone, was launched. Food has moved through it at a rate and heartwarming stories have been collected in the fridge’s guest book.

“Even though I’m working, had large bills to pay, so helped me feed myself this month.”

“It’s a good idea, it’s nice to know people care”

Comments from the Swadlincote Community Fridge guest book….

“Although it’s early days, we can see the fridge taking root in the community and forging relations between the local businesses, organisations and householders sharing food. Reports from other founding fridges indicate that users across Europe are happy with the system and are getting to know and trust others in their neighbourhood thanks to the fridge. “

Looking to start a first Community Fridge in Milton Keynes….

HubHub are now interested in trialling the Community Fridge project in Milton Keynes and are looking for local groups and organisations, who would like to get involved.

If you are interested, please contact Anna at Community Action: MK on anna@communityactionmk.org or you can get in touch with Tessa at: tessa@hubbub.org.uk or call +44 o 20 3701 7542.

Community Action: MK will be able to support you with finding volunteers and giving you funding advice along the project.

To find out more about this new initiative, click here.