A FOURTH community fridge has been opened in Ryedale.

Following the success of the community fridges in Malton, Norton and Pickering, residents in Kirkbymoorside have come together to set up Kirkby Community Fridge.

The fridge, which is located inside Kirkbymoorside Methodist Church Hall in Piercy End, was officially opened by Kirkbymoorside town mayor Nick Holroyd last week, and will be stocked with waste food donated by local businesses and is available for local people to help themselves.

Sarah Cockburn, from Scarborough Ryedale Carers Resource and CAVCA (Community Action Coast and Vale), which worked with volunteers to set up the Community Fridge, said: “It is a fantastic community-led initiative, helping reduce food that is in date that would otherwise go to landfill. The food is free for everyone and no referrals are needed. The community benefits from free food but volunteers gain experience and a qualification in food hygiene whilst giving back to their local community.”

Mayor Cllr Holroyd said: “I was pleased to be invited to officially open the Kirkby Community Fridge. I see it as a great project which reduces food waste by using groceries which would otherwise leave the shelves and go to landfill. It’s great for the environment and is available to all the community without stigma. Thanks must go to the organisers, Kirkby Methodist Church and to the many local volunteers and suppliers. On behalf of the town council I wish all involved every success with the project, a project set up by the community for the community.”

The fridge will be open to the public every Wednesday, from 10am to noon, or until the food runs out. To find out more, donate food or volunteer, email kirkbyfreefridge@yahoo.com