Scarborough Community Fridge to open for the first time this weekend

The fridge, which is located in ‘The Front Room’ at The Street Community Centre in Lower Clark Street, will initially operate two days a week, Saturday and Tuesday, opening from 10.00am-12.00pm or for as long as there is food available.

It aims to reduce the amount of safe-to-eat food going to landfill sites.

The idea is a simple one, local cafes, delis, shops and supermarkets donate any unsaleable food which is past its sell by date but still within its use by date to the fridge.

This saves companies money as they otherwise have to pay for the food to be taken to landfill and it prevents it from going to waste.

The food is made freely available for collection to anyone, with ‘pay as you feel’ donations welcomed to support the running costs of the fridge.

Jo Laking of Coast and Vale Community Action said: “The fridge is being operated by a group of local residents who were thinking it was time that Scarborough had one of these, they are very excited and nervous.”

“It is an environmental project to help prevent food being wasted and is open to anybody in the community. Anybody can pop along and enjoy free food, although we are welcoming donations on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis.

“We are looking for donations - if you are a food business and you would like to give, please get in touch.

“The Co-op and Bookers cash and carry have come on board straight away. We will have a board detailing donors so all those who visit the fridge will see it.

“People are also welcome to donate produce from their gardens or allotments or pre-packaged food. It’s mostly perishables - that’s why it’s a fridge.

“Unfortunately though, we can’t accept anything which has been cooked or prepared in peoples own homes.

“Also, the lovely people at closer communities have donated a load of food left over from feeding the children during the half term holiday.”

“We are looking for local people and retailers who would like to help us get this worthwhile project off the ground. All volunteers will be trained with a level two food safety qualification.”

For more information email [email protected] or search on Facebook for Scarborough Community Fridge.