We are delighted that the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan 2021/2022 Joanna Jenkins MBE JP DL has confirmed that The Swansea Community Fridge was a very worthy recipient of a High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Award 2021-2022 in the Groups or Organisation Category.
The hard work the Community Fridge team including our wonderful volunteers are delighted to received this recognition after their phenomenal efforts especially throughout the pandemic when they consistently delivered this vital service at a crucial time for so many in our Community.
The Community Fridge project came about 3 years ago in 2019 when our Executive Director of People & Communities, Suzanne Morris noticed the rise in food poverty in our community. As an organisation we endeavour to improve the livelihood and wellbeing of those we serve and Suzanne believed that this initiative could help to improve the lives of those who experience food poverty, by offering healthy food sources, while also making positive steps towards sustainability within the community.
Suzanne had seen another community fridge in action and took it upon herself to put a plan together to implement something similar in Swansea. Starting from scratch and gaining funding by drawing on contacts and networks to fund the first fridge and calling on friends and associates to volunteer to help run it, Suzanne got the fridge up and running.
Local businesses and retailers donate surplus food to the Community Fridge, and the fridge team distribute it to members of the community.
The Community Fridge has been hugely successful. On average, it stops 1 tonne of food per month from going to landfill and help over 100 people per week, many of whom would otherwise have difficulty accessing fresh produce. All staff are food safety trained and we’ve had a 5-star food rating. In just three years, the fridge has achieved the following staggering results:
35.1 tonnes of food distributed, saved from landfill
78,000 meals have been distributed to people in Swansea and the surrounding areas
87.7 tonnes in emissions have been saved
1500-1800 people visit the fridge each year
Seeing figures like these are testament to this fantastic project and it’s clear to see why they won this prestigious award for their efforts. Well done to all involved!
Watch the video of the awards announcement here or the full video of the High Sheriff’s Awards Ceremony here.