Community Fridge seeks financial support to improve security

23/08/2020

Popular scheme to reduce food waste and share items in wider community wants to prevent vandalism and mistreatment

The organisers of Banbury’s hugely successful Community Fridge project have set up a crowd funding scheme to raise money for improved security at the facility.   They are hoping to raise enough to install roller shutters for the fridges and security cameras to prevent vandalism and mistreatment.

Set up in 2018 in the car park at Banbury Madni Mosque in Merton Street, the Banbury Community Fridge takes unwanted food from local supermarkets and makes it available to the local community.   In an attempt to reduce food waste, the scheme encourages people to go and take a few items at no cost.   Whilst the Community Fridge is primarily aimed at those in need, no one is excluded.   Items on offer often include pastries, bread, fruit, spices and vegetables nearing their sell by date.

During lockdown public access to the Community Fridge had to be curtailed, but volunteers stepped in and delivered in excess of 3,500 food packages to those self-isolating and vulnerable older people.    Banbury’s MP Victoria Prentis awarded the volunteers an “Unsung Hero Award” for the work.

Since reopening the Community Fridge has proven as popular as ever.   However the need for additional security became apparent after a freezer containing items awaiting delivery had all its contents taken.   The freezer was clearly labelled “do not open”.   People have also been seen taking away large quantities of food.

A statement issued by the Community Fridge organisers said, “This crowdfunder is to raise money to improve the security of Banbury Community Fridge and to prevent vandalism and mistreatment of this valuable community facility. In order to do this, we hope to raise enough funds to install security cameras and roller shutter doors, which will enable us to continue our service”.

It is hoped the appeal will raise £2,500.   Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so here.


Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam

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