Our Pledge to End Food Waste
We have opened a Community Fridge to make surplus food freely available to local people.
A Community Fridge is a space where anyone can exchange food that would otherwise go to waste. It’s a way of stopping good food ending up in the bin, and promoting a spirit of sharing and mutual support within a community.
The Fridge is part of a growing network supported by Hubbub and its partner Co-op. Surplus perishable food is donated by businesses or members of the public and then made available for all.
Community Fridges are open to everyone, regardless of means and are not a food bank, or a solution to food poverty. Community fridges are friendly, accessible and community-led initiatives where users can share recipes and spark ideas around wider social and environmental action.
Students at the academy are proud to see their school tackling issues that are important to them. Year 7 student Zuzanna who is part of the academy’s Eco Committee, says, “A third of all food produced for humans globally goes to waste. The average UK household can save £60 a year by avoiding food waste. I’m proud to see our Community Fridge reducing the environmental impact of food waste, which is a huge issue.”
Academy Principal Chris Beard says “I’m looking forward to our Fridge growing and becoming an important asset for Higher Blackley.
“The Fridge is currently opening once a week but as donations and volunteers increase, it will further support the community as a space for tackling food waste and protecting the environment.”
CEO of Co-op Academies Trust Dr Chris Tomlinson said “I am very proud and delighted that Co-op Academy Manchester is another one of our schools that are supporting and helping its community in such a positive way.
“The community support and services we offer across our Trust really reflect how much we care about the communities we serve.”
Higher Blackley’s Community Fridge will be open on Tuesdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm. Find out more.
If you would like to support the Fridge as a donor or a volunteer, you can by getting in touch with the community team at manc-community-m@coopacademies.co.uk.