Tavy Fridge, a community fridge project that collects surplus food and gives it away for free is celebrating its second anniversary with its team of dedicated volunteers.
After launching in March 2020 and receiving a positive response from the community, the fridge project has been a huge support to people with supplies being donated from local shops and markets.
Alison Knight, our Community Connector and Steering Group member, said: “We are delighted that this successful project is celebrating its second anniversary. Tavy Fridge saves large quantities of surplus edible food from going to landfill and gives it away for free.
"This is only possible with our dedicated team of volunteers who help organize, pick up food or clean the fridge. They use their spare time and are often out in the evening in all-weather gathering food to support this project. LiveWest is funding a buffet lunch for volunteers to say thank you.”
Tavy Fridge which is a Libraries Unlimited project has around 45 people a day using the project and has positive feedback from customers. People often pop by to pick up a few extras.
A local woman who is a Ukrainian refugee was delighted to find a huge catering can of beetroot one week which is ideal for the Ukrainian staple, a beetroot soup called “Borsch”.
Local residents in Tavistock support the community ethos behind this project and making sure that they only take up to five items so that any surplus food is shared.
Alison Knight added: “We are very grateful to the supermarkets and food projects who partner with this project; Lidl, Co-op and Continental Fruits, Trudy Scrumptious, Tavistock Food Hub, Tavistock Area Food Boxes and Fareshare and the Cornwall Gleaning Network.
“We will also be encouraging individuals again to bring excess homegrown vegetables and put them straight into the fridge and shelves. We can take other good-to-eat surplus food from individuals but there are some strict rules around this which can be found on our Facebook page or on the wall beside the fridge.”
Sarah Cooper, Tavy Fridge Steering Group, said: “We hope to raise awareness of the amount of food waste we generate in the UK. Fourteen million tonnes a year - by far the highest amount in Europe. Our Facebook page has all sorts of tips on how to be creative with food purchases and leftovers, reduce waste and save money.”
Denise Gatley, First Assistant, Tavistock Library and Steering Group member, said: “It is great having this project situated in the foyer of the library, and it is a perfect addition to the vibrant range of activities we already have going on. The library feels like an active, vibrant community. We have also had a number of visits from other communities who are being inspired by this project to set up their own fridge projects in their communities”
This project was set up with start-up funding of £1,000 from LiveWest and we have also funded £250 towards fridge repairs or replacement.
Alison Knight added: “This is part of our broader programme to invest in local communities in a way that benefits our customers and the wider community.”