Local groups in Mullion and the surrounding areas are being invited to apply for Co-op funding to set up a Community Fridge.

A Community Fridge provides access to fresh food and brings people together to support each other and learn new skills, while reducing food waste.

Community Fridges are open to everyone - without the need to be referred or prove eligibility.

Donations of raw fruit or vegetables and unopened, packaged foods within their use by date are received and made available to anyone in the community to take.

Food is donated by businesses – with Co-op donating surplus food from its stores.

Co-op is bringing a bit of festive cheer this year with its 'Christmas Together with Food' campaign. As part of the campaign Co-op is extending its partnership with the environmental charity Hubbub, which set up its Community Fridge Network in 2016.

After identifying 100 locations for Community Fridges in 2021, Co-op will be releasing funding to support the setup of a further 250 Community Fridges by the end of 2023. This will double the size of the UK's Community Fridge Network to 500 fridge hosts.

You can find out more information about the scheme and apply for funding to set up a community fridge here. If your application is successful, you will receive £4,000 funding, support to help you get started, and membership of the Community Fridge Network.

Ali Jones, Customer and Community Director at Co-op, commented:

"Christmas is a great time to shine a spotlight on the things that matter most to us.

"Given the past 18 months and the challenges which clearly lie ahead, we wanted to highlight the importance of community in a real, genuine and positive way."

Co-op and Hubbub joined together to create more places where communities can share and access healthy food, connect with each other, learn new skills and become more resilient to challenges that are thrown at them.

You can also help to support the scheme by becoming a Co-op member. When you buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to you and Co-op gives the same to local communities.