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Communal fridge in Frome, UK

Last updated: Feb 25, 2022

Summary

The town of Frome (UK) has created a huge communal fridge in a converted public toilet, inspired by the Spanish 'Solidarity Fridge' initiative. Anyone is free to donate or take food, and over 1.500 items have been redistributed since the project began in June 2016. Businesses are encouraged to get involved as food from certified kitchens can be stored in the fridge with no health and safety concerns—but households can also contribute, subject to a few restrictions.

Problem

Food waste is a significant problem in the UK, with the industry wasting as much as ten million tonnes of product every year. A further seven million tonnes is thrown away by the country’s households. Yet, it was determined that 270,000 tonnes of this waste would be suitable for redistribution—but less than one percent of this number is donated to food banks and charities. And as food waste increases, so do people using food banks, which has reached a record high.

Solution

To tackle both food waste and food insecurity, the Frome Town Council has taken inspiration from the ‘solidarity fridges’ in Spain, to create a fridge in the town centre, that anyone can donate to or take food out of. Anything is allowed from businesses, as long as it's untouched, and households can donate anything in-date, packaged and unopened. Fresh produce is fair game; only raw meat and fish are not allowed to be donated, for health and safety reasons.

Outcome

Food giants like Greggs and Marks & Spencer have signed up to contribute unsold food, as well as smaller local businesses and households. Through the programme, over 1,500 food items have been saved from waste. While it’s been difficult to estimate, the city Council states that likely hundreds of people have taken food from the fridge.