Sheffield University’s pioneering Community Fridge scheme was awarded a Superstar Fridge award last month after 7 years of formal operation.
The scheme works in partnership with various local grocery stores to collect and redistribute unsold food. Over 205 tonnes of food have been saved from going to landfill since its creation, with up to £5000 of food per night in the two weeks around Christmas time.
Forge spoke to its founder Andrew Woffindin from ACS and external volunteer partner Sally about its operational success.
Sally has a wealth of experience with charitable initiatives and joined to assist ACS with the Community Fridge scheme after “one of those chance meetings” in 2023.
Collections open at 8pm every weekday, and Sally and the volunteer team have until 9:30pm to collect, transport and organise the food into the main fridges at The Edge and Ridge. “So much goes on in an evening,” Sally adds.
Students recognise its benefit too, with Andrew adding that this year’s cohort is “absolutely top-notch”. With every new cohort, awareness about the scheme gets raised and there is more positive engagement.
The project’s massive success has allowed the fridges to expand into Ranmoor on the weekends, as well as setting up partnerships with the local community for outside of term time.
Since its establishment, there are now over 800 community fridges like this one across the country; however, only 10 hold the Superstar Fridge award.
Sally and Andrew hope to continue mentoring other initiatives this year and beyond, and possibly establish cooking classes involving the most frequently-donated items at The Edge. Students can also leave food in the fridges at any time, particularly in holidays or when moving out.
Donations come in around 9:30pm at the Edge on weekdays, and the Ridge on weekends. More information can be found on the Sustainability section of Sheffield University’s website.
Written by Nina Thyr
