Caerphilly’s first outdoor Community Fridge officially opens

Graig-y-Rhacca Community Centre has become home to Caerphilly County Borough’s first outdoor Community Fridge.

The Fridge, which is re-stocked daily, includes household staples such as milk, fresh fruit and vegetables and even baby food, and is available for residents completely free of charge.

The Fridge is stocked through donations from Fair Share and local busineses including food that is close to its expiry date from the Co-Op Food, Machen, which in turn helps to reduce food waste.

The Community Fridge is housed in a bespoke cabinet outside of the Community Centre which is locked nightly by the volunteers of the Graig-y-Rhacca Community Association and is powered completely by solar energy.

The initiative is in response to the growing pressure of the Cost-of-Living Crisis and was funded by the Caerphilly County Borough Council Cost-of-Living Budget and the Community Empowerment Fund.

Councillor Chris Morgan said: “We are thrilled to announce the opening of Caerphilly’s first outdoor Community Fridge. Whilst we have food banks in operation throughout the borough, this Community Fridge is the first of its kind in that it is accessible outside of the Community Centre’s opening hours so is ideal for those with busy work schedules or other commitments.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making this project possible, including the Graig-y-Rhacca Community Association and the local businesses who have volunteered their services to a very worthy cause.”

Councillor Amanda McConnell said: “With the raising pressures of Cost-of-Living Crisis we hope that the Community Fridge can be a source of comfort and relief for our residents during this time.”