Melissa Trudgill, Community Engagement Manager at Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust has been working with Holsworthy Library and Holsworthy Rotary Club to set up the first Community Fridge in Torridge. The Community Fridge is due to open in the New Year and will be located in front of the Library in Holsworthy. The project has been sponsored through grants from Live West and Devon County Council and a generous donation of materials from local business, Tamar Trading. Melissa said ‘this is an example of community collaboration and I am so grateful for both the enthusiasm of the local retailers for this project and the support from our sponsors. Tamar Trading have kindly provided the material for the Fridge Cabin and the students from Holsworthy Community College are going to build it. We are on the final steps and we cannot wait for it to be open!’.

The amazing thing about this project is that it is sustainable by using the waste food from local food suppliers which would go out of area and be thrown away and offers the food to local people from whatever class, ethnicity, background they come from. Melissa said ‘this is a green project and we have been encouraged by the support from local food suppliers who are keen to see their food surplus stay within the Town and be used by the community rather than go to waste’. With rising living costs this service is much needed by everyone. No one is turned away or has to meet certain criteria to take food.

A dedicated group of volunteers will ensure that this project is successful and sustainable and it is hoped that more volunteers will come forward to help. Please contact Melissa below, if you are interested in being a part of this new initiative as a

Fridge Friend volunteer and can spare 30 minutes a week to spot check the community fridge then please contact Melissa Trudgill, Community Engagement Manager at