Community Fridge Network
A community fridge is a space that brings people together to share food, meet up, learn new skills and prevent fresh food from going to waste. They’re open to all and anyone can share or take food, including surplus from supermarkets, local food businesses, producers, households and gardens. Fridges are run by community groups in shared spaces such as schools, community centres and shops. There are over 700 fridges across the UK (and counting).
The Community Fridge Network is coordinated by Hubbub and brings together all UK based groups running a community fridge. 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, which is a huge issue. A third of all food produced globally is wasted. If food waste were a country, it would be the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases globally. Across the growing network, each fridge can redistribute between 1 – 4 tonnes of surplus food per month, making the collective impact of the network huge.
However, they also do so much more: all 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. We’ve supported over 100 community fridge sites to expand their offer to include community meals and cooking and 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.
Stock your fridge to switch on another?
We’ve been brewing up something exciting with the Community Fridge Network, Camden Town Brewery and BrewGooder.
You can find a special, limited edition beer, the ‘Fridge Filla’, exclusively in Co-op stores, between 18th May 2024 and 18th May 2025. Each purchase will contribute a donation to the Community Fridge Network, supporting ten existing fridges to do more for their community. This is the Community Fridge’s first collab with a product on supermarket shelves - we can’t beer-lieve it!
Ps. This is what it looks like. It’s a tropical IPA with notes of mango and pineapple. Drink responsibly, and enjoy!
What difference did we make?
Since our first Community Fridge opened its doors in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, the network has expanded to over 450 fridges.
- the network saved over 7,650 tonnes of food from waste
- shared 18.2 million meals worth of food
- provided a welcoming space for over 631,000 people
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 behaviors, 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.
Funding opportunities
Check out our latest funding opportunities here
If you're unsure which funding to apply for - check out our quiz here
Join the Community Fridge Network
Thinking of setting up a community fridge in your area? Join our 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.
Are you a business that wants to collaborate?
Got your own challenge or idea for a project? We love to hear it, let’s talk!