The team of volunteers behind Westbury’s community fridge have reported that a growing awareness of the need to reduce excessive food waste, coupled with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, led to record numbers of users at the end of 2022.
The December figures compiled by Westbury Area Network, the charity behind both the community fridge and food bank, showed that 536 people visited the community fridge during the month, with over 8,600 kg of food available. The community fridge team collect donations of surplus fresh food from local supermarkets to prevent it going to waste and make it available to members of the public at no cost.
During the winter months, as was the case in December, most of the food available is comprised of bakery items including bread and cakes. At other times of the year, users can expect to find an array of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as frozen items – thanks to a new freezer recently donated by Westbury Town Council.
In addition to collecting donations from supermarkets, the community fridge accepts surplus fresh produce from anyone locally, usually including allotment holders and members of Westbury Shed.
Community fridge volunteer Sylvia Caton says, “The wonderful thing about the community fridge is that absolutely everyone is welcome to use the service, regardless of need. Recipients of food bank parcels can of course pick up some fresh items to supplement their regular supplies, but anyone else who is keen to help prevent quality fresh food going to waste, or just save a few pennies, can come along too and see what’s available.”
Located at Westbury Community Project on Eden Vale Road, next to the food bank, the community fridge is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10.30 and 12.00. Outside these opening times, excess food is donated to a network of local schools, nurseries and community groups, to further prevent it going to waste.
For updates on produce available at the Community Fridge, please follow Westbury Community Fridge on Facebook or visit www. westburyareanetwork.org
