A new community fridge and larder has opened at a school in Devon to support local families and the wider community.
Based at St James C or E Primary School in Okehampton, Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust created the project in partnership with LiveWest.
Melissa Trudgill, Community Engagement Lead for Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, applied for a grant to fund the project and was successful, which funded the fridge, signage and equipment.
LiveWest supported the project through its social value initiative where contractors Jewson Partnership Solutions donated all the materials to build the larder. The school’s catering contractor Educatering supply regular food donations.
Simon Cohen, our Community Connector, said: “We are so excited to have been involved in this project. This is a big school, in a growing area and St James School were very supportive with it.
“When we were approached to assist with the community fridge by Melissa (DMAT) we jumped at the chance to assist in this wonderful idea.
“We wanted to be involved with the Community Larder and Fridge as it will help reduce quality food going to landfill or compost and also helps reduce food poverty.
“We want to thank Jewson Partnership Solution for its generosity to get this project up and running. We hope this will make a big difference to the community.”
The fridge will help reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away and helping food budgets stretch further, easing food insecurity and promoting inclusivity.
This will support the community where access to essential services, such as a local shop, remain limited so the community fridge will be a help to many.
Melissa Trudgill, Community Engagement Lead for Dartmoor Multi-Academy Trust, said: “This project is a great example of partnership working between Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, St James Primary School, LiveWest and Educatering.
“It demonstrates Dartmoor Muti Academy Trust’s commitment not only to children and families at their schools but the whole community.
“This project will also be linked to the Green Box food project in Okehampton and receive surplus from this project on a Thursday evening. We are now looking for volunteers to help support this project going forward.”
LiveWest carpenters and electricians volunteered to give their time to build the community larder where the work of the fridge involved installing the lighting, shelves and electrics.
Sean Wilson, our Multi-Skilled Technician who volunteered on the project, said: “I know first-hand how vital this kind of support can be. I grew up in a household where we often relied on food banks to get by, and I’ll never forget the difference it made during some of our hardest times.
“Building this is more than just a practical task it’s a way of standing alongside people in our community, reminding them they’re not alone, and that there are always people who care.”
The community fridge is currently open to the public during school hours. If you would like to become part of the new community fridge team, for more information please email: mtrudgill@dmatschools.org.uk