In response to the Cost of Living crisis, and also to help reduce food waste, Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council is hosting a Community Fridge.

What is a Community Fridge?

Hubbub came up with the idea to tackle food waste and to help those in need to access food. Our Community Fridge is registered with the Hubbub network, and you can read more about the idea behind Community Fridges on their website at Community Fridge Network (hubbub.org.uk)

The Parish Council established the Stronger Communities Committee to deliver projects that support and benefit the community. One such initiative is the Singleton Community Fridge, located in the left-side entrance hall of Singleton Village Hall (separate from the main hall used by the pre-school). The fridge is open during office hours (9 am–5 pm) and whenever the hall is open during evenings and weekends.

The Parish Council will ensure the fridge is stocked with food from regular donations and food traders while encouraging residents to contribute good-quality, unopened food that might otherwise go to waste.

Got extra runner beans from your garden? Heading on holiday with milk to spare? Simply drop them off! Clear signage onsite will guide you on what can and cannot be donated.

Stay updated on opening times or changes by following the Singleton Community Fridge page on Facebook.

A huge thank you to the Singleton Village Hall trustees for hosting the fridge and to Lily’s Café at Singleton for helping us keep it clean and tidy. Together, we’re reducing food waste and supporting our community!

Our Community Fridge has been well received and is currently running smoothly. But only because we have a small team of dedicated volunteers who help to keep the fridge, cupboard and surrounding area clean, stocked and working. We need more volunteers to join our group to allow each volunteer to do less, and to help cover each other when someone is ill or has other commitments.

The different volunteer roles are:

·         Collecting orders - you will need a car for this but mileage can be claimed

·         Rotating stock - rather than putting everything from one delivery into the fridge, we put a smaller amount out each day to allow more people to have access to it. The person doing this also gives the place a spot clean if needed. But the more people we have doing this, the less times each volunteer needs to come in.

·         Deep cleaners - every few weeks we like to empty everything and give all the storage boxes and equipment a good clean. If you can’t visit on a regular basis, maybe this is a job you could do?

·         Knowledge - do you have experience in running a community fridge or pantry and would like to share this with those running the project.

If you are interested in volunteering, either regularly or for a short period of time, then please contact paula.cowperthwaite@greatchartsingleton-pc.gov.uk for more information.

All volunteers will be offered an induction and the opportunity to complete a Level 1 Hygiene Certificate.