A COMMUNITY fridge which is saving high-quality food from landfills has been celebrated for its environmental work.
Unlike a foodbank, a community fridge is not just for those in need and rather is open to all, providing food that supermarkets would otherwise be thrown out.
The Community Fridge at the Cabin in Hoyland began during the Covid pandemic, when one local began reading about similar projects popping up around the country.
Founder Julia Carr told the Chronicle: “During lockdown I had extra time on my hands because my business had to close down.
“I was reading articles about community fridges and saw that some had opened in Staincross and Mapplewell - I went to go see it and was gobsmacked.
“It wasn’t just the amount of food but the quality - I decided we needed one in Hoyland.”
On May 27, 2022, Julia opened her own community fridge and over the last two years, with the help of a team of dedicated volunteers, has grown it into a massive operation.
Gathering food from places like Marks and Spencer, Tesco and the Co-op, the fridge services more than 300 people in the community.
“We’re only open to the public nine hours a week - I never thought it would get this big,” Julia added.
“People come from across the local community and from other nearby villages.
“But it’s also become a community hub, people come in to have a little chit chat.
“It’s especially helpful for people who live alone or are isolated.”
Now, they have received a Proud of Barnsley nomination for their exceptional work - which is all funded by donations and volunteers.
Julia specifically thanked Katie Hoyland, who manages the fridge, and its volunteers, adding: “Katie’s dedication to the community fridge has been instrumental to its success.
“It’s absolutely lovely and an honour to be recognised.
“I never opened it for awards, it’s always been for the community.
“But it’s the volunteers who really deserve credit - they do a fantastic job and will use their own vehicles to collect food and travel all over the place late at night.
“We’re only open for nine hours but there’s a lot more work going on behind the scenes to make that happen.”
