Community fridge stops tonnes of food being wasted

A community project has saved almost two tonnes of food from going to waste in its first year.

The Glen Parva Community Fridge has prevented waste by handing over more than 1,932kg (4,259lbs) of surplus food to 2,763 visitors since it launched in April 2025.

Volunteers collect grocery donations to hand out, with people able to pick up food without being charged or needing a referral.

The weekly community fridge, which is being transferred from Blaby District Council to Glen Parva Parish Council after running for an initial trial year, is one of a network of more than 700 similar services nationwide.

Charity Hubbub, which coordinates community fridge projects across the country, said the network reduces the environmental impact of food waste but also teaches people skills such as cooking or growing food, and offers a meeting place for a community.

It said in 2025 that community fridges saved 11,482 tonnes of food from waste, and supported more than 700,000 people.

Volunteer coordinator and parish councillor Izzy Amertash said: "When the community fridge first opened, it was quite a new concept and people were confusing it with a foodbank.

"Often people would say, 'I don't need to use a foodbank', so we've been re-educating people that this is an environmental project and you are saving usable food from landfill.

"Local people who may not get through a whole bag of apples, tomatoes or potatoes will pop in and just take the one or two items they need."

The community fridge will continue to operate from the village's Memorial Hall every Tuesday afternoon.

District executive director for place Marc Greenwood said the trial had been "a tremendous success", while chairman of the parish council Stan Sidorowicz said: "It's a great addition to what we already do in the community."

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.