North Walsham’s Community Fridge, set to re-open in June at The Salvation Army in Hall Road, offers a solution to food waste by allowing people and businesses to donate surplus refrigerated and non-perishable food that would otherwise be thrown away. Local residents are then able to collect this food, preventing it from ending up in a landfill. The initiative is a joint venture of North Walsham Churches Together, with volunteers from various local churches coming together to support this cause. Territorial Envoy Ruth Morey, leader of The Salvation Army in North Walsham, emphasizes the importance of addressing food waste and food poverty through the community fridge.
The Community Fridge not only serves as a resource for accessing food, but also aims to build relationships within the community. With no specific criteria for use, people are encouraged to take what they need for the day, fostering a sense of honesty and fairness for all participants. Additionally, the fridge provides an opportunity for support beyond just food provision, as the organization aims to address issues of isolation and offer fellowship to those in need. The Salvation Army in North Walsham organizes various events such as a lunch club and coffee morning to further connect with the community and provide assistance where needed.
Scheduled to be open on Mondays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm starting on 3 June, the Community Fridge is overseen by Ruth Morey. The initiative has garnered support from local businesses such as Lidl and Sainsburys in the town, highlighting the collaborative effort to combat food waste and support the community. A fundraising concert is planned for the end of the month, featuring performances by the Morriston ED Choir and The Salvation Army Community Band at St Nicholas Parish Church, with proceeds going towards the Community Fridge. Tickets for the concert are available for purchase at The Salvation Army Hall or through email.
Overall, North Walsham’s Community Fridge at The Salvation Army in Hall Road serves as a valuable resource for reducing food waste and addressing food poverty in the community. Through the generosity of donations from individuals and businesses, and the support of volunteers from various local churches, the initiative aims to provide not just food but also a sense of fellowship and support to those in need. The upcoming fundraising concert further demonstrates the community’s commitment to sustaining this important initiative and addressing issues of food waste and poverty in North Walsham.
