Merton's First Community Fridge - One Donation Twice The Impact
Big Give Christmas Challenge will allow you to donate fresh food
The borough’s leading environmental charity, Sustainable Merton has joined the Big Give Christmas Challenge - the UK’s largest match funding campaign - to double donations from residents and businesses supporting Merton’s first Community Fridge.
When the week-long Christmas Challenge goes live on #GivingTuesday, donations made via TheBigGive.org.uk from December 3-10 will be doubled and have twice the impact!
A Community Fridge is essentially just a big fridge, to be located in an accessible, friendly space where individuals and businesses can donate fresh edible food and members of the community can take what they want or need.
The need for food assistance in Merton is rising. Between 2015-17, the number of residents accessing local food banks increased by 33%. At the same time, huge amounts of good food is going to waste, which is a big problem for communities and the planet.
People who donate to the Community Fridge from December 3-10 and spread the word, will help improve the health and well being of local people and protect the local environment by keeping good food out of the bin and into the hands of those who need it most.
Visit www.sustainablemerton.org to find out more and get ready to double your donation.
Diana Sterck, Chief Executive of Sustainable Merton said: “The Community Fridge will complement existing food banks, benefiting those most in need but also extending the offering to the wider community. It is a desired outcome of the work led by Sustainable Merton on Merton’s Food Poverty Action Plan which seeks to tackle people’s inability to afford, or have access to, quality food for a healthy diet.”
Ellie Smallshaw, Sustainable Community Champion added: “The project works with the community for the community so we hope that everyone will back this project, including residents, food activists, local food retailers, supermarkets and restaurants.”
Rachael Edwards, Community Champions Project Manager and Volunteer Coordinator at Sustainable Merton also added: “The Community Fridge will be run by a team of friendly fridge fanatics (aka our volunteers), so we will be looking to recruit passionate local people to help bring the project to life.
“We also need businesses to get on board and donate fresh, edible food to the fridge. This initiative is all about community. Together, we can reduce food waste and alleviate food poverty in Merton.”
November 29, 2019