Community Champion - Fridge Friend: Help us address food poverty and food waste

What will I be doing?

• Sustainable Merton has opened Merton’s first Community Fridge and we need you help! The Fridge is located in Morden Baptist Church so if you are local and have some time to spare, we would love for you to join us as a Fridge Friend.
• A Community Fridge is essentially a big fridge where surplus food is donated by local businesses and residents and made accessible to all. In this way it’s a simple solution to wasting less and saving more. Merton’s Community Fridge will help cut food waste, address food poverty, build stronger bonds within the community, and redistribute good quality food.
• There are a variety of ways that you can be involved as a Fridge Friend:. -Welcome people to the fridge, distribute food, record and store food safely. -Help us find businesses to donate food to the fridge. -Collection of food from donors (vehicle required).
• As a Fridge Friend, you will be part of our Community Champion Network and have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of other initiatives including litter picks, community gardening, tree planting, awareness campaigns, Refill Merton tackling plastic pollution, and engaging with schools.
• We are looking for more volunteers – of all backgrounds and experience, to champion a more sustainable way of life in Merton. Join us to make a difference in your community, meet like minded people, and develop employable skills.

What impact will this have?

• Through volunteering at Merton's Community Fridge, you will help to reduce food poverty and food waste in Merton.
• Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, food poverty in Merton was already on the rise. Between 2015-17, the number of residents accessing local food banks increased by 33%.
• At the same time, a huge amount of good food is going to waste, which is a big problem for communities and the planet.
• We know that many businesses and residents would donate fresh food if they had the opportunity and a Community Fridge in Merton will provide this essential link that does not exist in the borough at present.

Commitment

• We are looking for volunteers who can commit to one or more of the following shifts on a weekly or fortnightly basis:. Wednesdays 10:30am-12pm. Wednesdays 4-6pm. Wednesdays 6-7pm. Thursdays 1-4pm.
• If you have a vehicle, we are also looking for volunteers who can pick up food donations from Merton supermarkets. Various times are available from Tuesday to Thursday.

What else do I need to know?

• We have completed detailed Covid-19 risk assessments and guidelines for Merton's Community Fridge.
• A Food Hygiene Certificate, Level 1 or above, attained within the last 3 years, is desirable, but not essential.

Expenses

• We do not reimburse volunteer expenses for this role

Background checks

• No background checks are required

Training

• Relevant training and support will be provided to ensure that all Fridge Friends feel confident in their knowledge, skills and ability to engage with their communities.