GROUPS in Northumberland are being encouraged to apply for funding to set up a Community Fridge.

Community Fridges are social spaces where anyone can share surplus food; they reduce food waste and empower communities to help each other.

The network was set up by environmental charity Hubbub in 2017 and there are now 250 fridges across the UK.

Funding from Co-op will now enable the network to double in size as communities are urged to apply for grants by February 1.

Applications for grants are open to community groups and not-for-profit organisations in a position to set up their Community Fridge in the next six months. Successful groups will receive £4,000 funding, free support to set up the fridge and membership to Hubbub’s Community Fridge Network.

“With our network of fridges already supporting so many people across the UK, we want to make sure that all regions have access to what is becoming an invaluable asset in communities", said Hubbub creative partner, Liam Sweeney. "A Community Fridge is so much more than just a fridge. They are instrumental in bringing people together to share skills, build friendships and support one another, all whilst doing their bit to save the planet.”

Ed Powell, mission manager at Co-op, added: “We’d like to see applications for the current round of funding come from a broad range of groups, especially from groups who might not normally consider running a food project, to bring this brilliant concept to even more communities across the UK.”