CETMA LAUNCHES ANOTHER COMMUNITY FRIDGE!

CETMA will be officially launching Llanelli Community Fridge on Wednesday 18^th  September at CETMA’s new Llanelli office in 154 Station Rd.

A Community Fridge is a shared space where members of the Community, as well as supermarkets, businesses etc, can work together to tackle food waste.  CETMA have been successfully running a Community Fridge in Kidwelly since 2021 and have seen how it has benefitted the community and helped cut back on food waste.

CETMA Community Fridges are part of the Hubbub Community Fridge network. In this network, CETMA can share questions/advice with other members of the network to make sure the best practices are used to tackle food waste in the most effective ways possible.

Keith Evans-Hurley, CETMA Director said:

“The Community Fridge aims to tackle food waste by collecting donations from the public and partner organisations.”

“These donations typically include food items nearing their best-before dates or those unlikely to be used or purchased. The food is then made available at no cost to the community, ensuring that it does not go to waste and can instead support those who need it most.”

“This initiative is particularly crucial during the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis, as it provides a vital resource for residents looking to stretch their budgets.”

The Community Fridge will be open from Wednesday to Friday each week, as these are the days where CETMA have consistently received donations. While the fridge is also accessible on Mondays and Tuesdays, availability on these days will depend on stock levels from the previous week.

“We’ve seen and heard first hand just how essential the Community Fridge has become over the past few months and are thrilled to officially launch this initiative in Llanelli. “

“It’s heartening to know that we are making a significant impact in the fight against food waste.” Added Keith.

Food Waste is a large issue in the UK. It is estimated that the UK throws away 9.5 million tonnes in a year. And that the total food waste would be able to feed upwards of 30 million people a year rather than simply going to waste. According to a report by The Grocer, UK supermarkets annually throw away 100,000 units of edible food. Other large contributors to Food Waste, include schools, restaurants & within your homes.

However, there are small steps we can all take to help combat food waste. You can do your bit by:

1. Pre-planning meals so you only buy groceries you need from the Supermarket
2. Regularly check your Fridge to ensure awareness of best before/use by dates
3. Set up a compost heap in your garden to recycle any wasted fruit, vegetable peelings etc.
4. Cook larger meals in bulk & freeze leftovers to eat at a later date
5. Donate any foods you will not use/close to the best before date to the Community Fridge

For more information or to get involved, please contact CETMA Llanelli:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cetmallanelli/

Email – llanelli@cetma.org.uk

Phone Number – 01554556996

Website -www.cetma.org.uk