Community Fridge Network
Community fridges brings people together to share food, connect with others, learn new skills and prevent fresh food from going to waste.
Local organisations and community groups run fridges in shared spaces like schools, community centres and shops. They redistribute surplus food from supermarkets, local food businesses, producers, households and gardens, making it freely available to everyone in the community.
Community fridges are open to all. They're not means tested, so anyone can visit to see what food is available to 'save', take home and cook with - just drop in during opening hours!
Over 700 community fridges across the UK (and counting) are helping communities reduce food waste while strengthening local connections.
The Community Fridge Network is coordinated by Hubbub and brings together all UK based groups running community fridges. It enables them to share knowledge, skills, ask questions and provide support to each other. Through the network we also offer free, comprehensive guidance on how to set up a fridge as well as tools covering everything you need, from posters to health and safety templates and more.
Stirring the pot for positive change
Community fridges are a tried and tested way of reducing the environmental impact of food waste. Every year, the UK bins a shocking 10.2 million tonnes of edible food (WRAP, 2025) and much of thisis perfectly edible and should be reaching people, not landfill. Across the growing network, each fridge redistributes between one and four tonnes of surplus food per month - making a huge collective impact.
But they also do so much more. Across the UK, fridges have become the centre of the community. As well as stopping good food from going to waste, people can also take part in other activities, learning new skills such as how to grow or cook food, or simply drop in for a chat.
To date we've supported over 250 community fridges to expand their activities and become food hubs, hosting community meals, cooking and/or growing workshops. In the context of rocketing food prices and widespread loneliness, many community fridges have also become a lifeline and valuable meeting place at the heart of their community.
What difference have fridges made?
Since our first community fridge opened its doors in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, the network has now expanded to over 700 fridges.
In 2025:
- the network saved 11,482 tonnes of food from waste
- equivalent to sharing 27 million meals worth of food
- more than 700,000 people visited their local fridge
But the impact extends beyond numbers. The groups who manage the fridges have:
- created social connections
- reduced isolation
- empowered communities
We've witnessed a positive transformation in awareness and behaviours, as individuals embrace sustainable practices and take pride in being part of a movement against food waste.
Find a community fridge near you
Check out our interactive map to find your nearest community fridge. Get involved, visit your local fridge, drop by to share any surplus food (or pick some up). Or learn about other ways to keep food from going to waste.
Join the Community Fridge Network
Thinking of setting up a community fridge in your area? Join the network and learn how easy it can be. Together, we're not just saving food; we're building stronger, more connected communities.
Curious to know more about Hubbub?
At Hubbub, we want to see a world where everyone makes choices that are good for the environment. Check out what we do and the difference we’re making.
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