Love Books, Save Food, Hate Waste!

Seaton Library Community Fridge celebrates one-year anniversary, saving thousands of meals from being wasted.

Seaton Library’s community fridge is proud to celebrate its one-year anniversary, marking a successful year of reducing food waste and supporting local residents. Since its launch on 14th April 2023, the community fridge has saved thousands of meals from being wasted, making a significant impact on both the environment and food insecurity in our community.

The community fridge, located at Seaton Library, has become a hub of generosity and community spirit. It operates on the principle of “take what you can use and leave some for the next person”.

Over the past year, the community fridge has prevented over 6,000 kilos, that’s over 6 tonnes, of food from going to waste; promoted sustainability; contributed to reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and promoted a more circular economy.

Seaton’s SAVE food hub has supported the initiative from the start, regularly stocking the fridge and shelves with fresh produce, pantry staples, bread and even fresh bunches of flowers on occasion! Volunteers and library staff have played a vital role in maintaining the fridge, ensuring its cleanliness, and promoting awareness within the community.

To celebrate the one-year anniversary, Seaton Library hosted a celebratory event last Saturday at the library. The event recognised the contribution of library staff, volunteers and donors, and provided some fun and games for children on the theme of food. Inevitably there were celebratory cakes made in part from ingredients which would otherwise have gone to waste.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of our community fridge over the past year” said Richard O’Mahoney, Seaton Library supervisor, “Together, we have made a real difference in reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity in our community. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing this important work and expanding our impact in the years to come.”

For more information about the community fridge or how to get involved, please contact SAVE food hub which is located at the community larder at 19 Queen Street, Seaton, next door to the library (opening times are displayed on the door and online at www.savefoodhub.org.uk/about) or by email to savefoodhub@gmail.com

The community fridge is part of our commitment to sustainability, food justice, and community empowerment.