Shailesh Vara MP recently visited the Yaxley Community Fridge to see first-hand the work that Yaxley Parish Council and local volunteers are doing to ensure that food that would otherwise go to waste, goes to those who need it within the local community.

Mr Vara first visited the Community Fridge 3 years ago, when Yaxley Parish Council started operating it out of the Austin Hall whilst serving around 15-20 families. However, since the pandemic, there has been a vast increase in those using the facilities with around 100 families now visiting the fridge on a weekly basis, with nearly ½ ton of food being distributed. This has meant that they have had to move the operation to larger premises at the Pavilion on Middleton’s recreation ground, so as to allow social distancing and support the increased demand.

Mr Vara met with Yaxley District Councillor Kevin Gulson and some of the volunteers to see the new premises that they now work out of, and to hear of the benefits that Community Fridges bring not only to the local community but to the environment by reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gases.  

The Community Fridge operates every Wednesday and Friday between 10:30-11:30am and has around 15 volunteers who prepare and distribute the food parcels.

Following the visit Mr Vara said:

“It was a pleasure to visit the Yaxley Community Fridge again at their new premises to see how they have expanded and adapted given the recent pressures of the pandemic.

“The volunteers are doing a wonderful job to support this cause and I was encouraged to hear that several local businesses are playing their part by generously donating their food waste. However, there is always the need for extra supplies, so if there are any other local businesses that can help support the Community Fridge, I know it would be greatly welcomed.”

Cllr Kevin Gulson added:

“Yaxley Community Fridge volunteers were pleased to welcome Shailesh Vara to see how the fridge had grown in the 3 years following being set up by Yaxley Parish Council.

“Now with 15 volunteers who get food that would otherwise be sent to landfill. They make food packs every Wednesday and Friday for distribution in the community. 

“The volunteers were grateful for the recognition of their work in and for the community given by Shailesh.”