St George’s Wilton Community Fridge has officially opened, launching its efforts to combat food waste within the local community.
With the generous support from the environmental organization Hubbub UK, the St. George's Wilton Community Fridge opened to the community on the 30th August 2023. This endeavour was made feasible thanks to the sponsorship provided by the Taunton Town Council. The primary goal is to address the problem of food waste by creating a space for local residents and businesses to exchange surplus food, thereby reducing unnecessary disposal.
Located at St George’s Wilton Church Hall, the community fridge will be accessible every Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9.30am to 5pm. It offers individuals the opportunity to obtain up to five items of quality food that might have otherwise gone to waste. Clinton Rogers, award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster officially opened the Community Fridge. He said:
“Our son used to work in Tesco, and he was involved in getting rid of the stuff that had a sell by date on it. He used to come home absolutely gobsmacked by the amount that was just thrown into a skip. So anything that can be done to stop that is magnificent as far as I’m concerned.
“What I particularly like about the community fridge is there is no stigma attached to it.
“It’s not just for disadvantaged people, it’s for anyone. It’s for the community”.
St George’s Wilton Community Fridge aligns with the growing trend of similar facilities across the UK, addressing food waste and fostering community cooperation. This marks the second community fridge in the Taunton area, following the launch of a similar facility in Monkton Heathfield in July 2022.
Local food businesses and allotment holders in Taunton are invited to donate surplus food, adhering to donation guidelines outlined on the St George's Wilton Community Fridge Facebook page and church website.
If you would like to find out more about the St George’s Church Community Fridge, donate or volunteer, email Mevyn Roberts at Fridge@stgchurch.co.uk or phone 07981 504414.