The Kilcooley Community Fridge is a local initiative which was developed in partnership with the Co-Op.  The concept is a simple yet powerful solution to combat food waste and food insecurity within communities. It is really straightforward: a refrigerator placed in our public space at 1 Kilcooley Square (The Bee Well Hub & Community Cafe), accessible to all, where individuals and businesses can donate surplus food, and anyone in need can freely take what they require.

At its core, our community fridge embodies the principles of sharing, solidarity, and sustainability. It’s a tangible manifestation of the belief that access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. The fridge not only provide immediate relief to those experiencing food insecurity but also helps create a sense of belonging and support within the community.

One of the most remarkable aspects of our community fridge is its inclusivity. We welcome contributions from anyone who wishes to donate food, whether it’s excess produce from a home garden, leftovers from a restaurant, or groceries nearing their expiration date from a supermarket. This collaborative effort not only diverts perfectly good food from ending up in landfills but also promotes a culture of generosity and cooperation.

Moreover, the community fridge concept is  not just about addressing immediate hunger; our fridge project  also serves as a hub for community engagement, training, wellbeing  and education. The Wellbeing Team organise events such as cooking workshops, nutrition classes,  gardening sessions and family fun days to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to make the most of the resources available to them.

However, it’s essential to recognise that the community fridge is not a panacea for food insecurity. We currently operate on a volunteer basis and are dependent on ongoing community support for sustainability. The project should be seen as part of our broader strategy to address the root causes of food insecurity, including poverty, inequality, and lack of access to affordable, nutritious food.

Why not pop in to find out how to get involved, the power of collective action and solidarity in addressing social and environmental challenges, will help us all create a better society. We can demonstrate that small acts of kindness and generosity can have a significant impact in creating a more equitable and sustainable world for all.

For information on how to get involved contact Sarah or Alison on 91478292.