The Unity Community Fridge

Aim

A Community Fridge is a space where anyone can exchange food and reduce waste. A space where growing your own food is promoted & supported.

Help us to bring the community together through the exchange of food. Help us reduce food waste. Grow food. Advocate more sustainable relationships with food. Promote community cohesion. Share skills within the community.

Shiva Trust charity has been providing food to those in need for the last 10 years. We have also always offered other practical support alongside the provision of food. Support to help overcome difficult situations for individuals and families who are experiencing hard times. In the past we have held pop up cafes, delivered food parcels and provisions, donated food donations to food banks and other agencies/organisations. 

Our brand new and exciting project is our Community Fridge Project.

The Unity Fridge is a community project providing good food for everyone.

A community fridge is a space where anyone can exchange food that would otherwise go to waste. Run by local volunteers our fridge will provide a positive social space for local visitors to learn more about food, sustainable eating, and the value of growing your own food and eating on a budget.

The UK's first community fridge was trialled in 2016. Since then, hundreds of community fridges have taken root across the UK helping thousands connect with their neighbours, access nutritious food, save money and reduce waste.

The Unity fridge is open to all, a friendly place and is accessible and community led. The focus is on the impact of reducing food waste. Our fridge is also a space to access new skills and make new friends.

The fridge is a collaboration between Shiva Trust Charity and Rawtenstall Unitarian Church.

This project successfully funded on 13th December 2022