A charity and a church have teamed up to open a community fridge. The aim is to save thousands of tonnes of excess food being wasted in London every year.
The Oasis Community Fridge in the Amigo Hall at St George’s Cathedral on Westminster Bridge Road, Southwark is a partnership project between the charity Oasis and the church.
The food saved from waste by the project can be picked up by anyone in Southwark and Lambeth at the Oasis Community Fridge in Amigo Hall, including those experiencing food insecurity.
From left: Rev Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis, Mayor of Southwark Micheal Situ and Archbishop John Wilson (Image: David Clegg)
The project was officially launched on Friday by the Reverend Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis, and the Archbishop of Southwark, the Rev John Wilson, in the Amigo Hall at St George’s Cathedral.
Rev Chalke, founder of Oasis, said: “Too many families across London are struggling to put food on the table due to the cost of living crisis. But at a time when some parents are having to skip meals and many children are going to school hungry, London’s food industry wastes tonnes of surplus food every year.
“I am proud that Oasis is working with St George’s Cathedral to open a community fridge to tackle the surplus food scandal, reducing our environmental footprint whilst providing food to affected families in Lambeth and Southwark are struggling with food poverty.”
The Community Fridge employs volunteers, from the people who pick up groceries each day to the team that sorts the bulk delivery of surplus food.
Food Connect is helping to organize the distribution of surplus food from the world famous Borough Market to the Oasis Community Fridge in St George’s. The project will also help reduce Lambeth and Southwark’s carbon footprint.
Since opening earlier this year, the community fridge in St George’s has redistributed thousands of kilos of surplus food and is currently providing food to around 2,000 people each month.
The Archbishop of Southwark, John Wilson, said: “As Christians we are called not only to have faith but also to put our faith into practice through good works.”
“Times are difficult for many right now, and that is why now more than ever our community needs us to stand up and put our faith into action. That’s why I’m pleased to support the community fridge in our cathedral and provide a vital lifeline to those who need it most.”
Pictured above: From left: Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis, and Archbishop John Wilson open the community fridge (Image: David Clegg)
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