The Community Fridge will be located at the school on Westport Road. It’s a space that will bring people together to eat, connect and learn new skills - all whilst reducing food waste. Anybody is able to come and take free food or hygiene products, with no proof of eligibility required. The Fridge will also serve as a community hub with free books, recipes and strong links to other community organisations available. 

At the launch, guests got to see the Fridge in action, speak to students involved and hear more about the academy's various community provisions in place. 

In attendance was Deputy Mayor Councillor of Stoke-on-Trent, community members and local partners, including Middleport Matters, Urban Wilderness and Port Vale Hubb Foundation. Co-op store members and Co-op Funeralcare community partners were also there. 

Co-op Academies Trust has recently implemented a Community Team to strengthen the support that academies can offer their families and communities. The Trust’s community strategy ensures that the support of the Co-op Group is utilised to the maximum, such as developing networks between the academies and Co-op Member Pioneers, Co-op Funeralcare and Co-op Retail staff local to them.

Olivia Williamson, Assistant Headteacher at Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent, said of the new Fridge:

“I want to ensure that the Fridge is a space that brings people together to share food, meet up, learn new skills and prevent fresh food from going to waste. The Community Fridge is open to all and anyone can donate or take food, including surplus from supermarkets, local food businesses, producers, households and gardens. 

“Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent sees the launch of this fridge as a focal point for members of the community to gain support. The Trust Community Team has developed very strong links with the National Literacy Trust, and as a result, they are providing books for the community fridge area so that visitors can also access books and reading materials - all of which will be monitored and overseen by our Student Literacy Champions!”

The Head of the Co-op Academies Trust’s Community Team, Liz Garrity, has been developing links and support networks in this area over the past few years and has created a great network of support for the community.

Liz said: 

“The Community Fridge will provide a wealth of resources and support for the community around the academy and my hope is that people will use this area, not only to access food, but also to access links with charities, careers, uniform and wellbeing support. It’s a fantastic addition to the local area and we’re thrilled to finally launch.”

Deputy Mayor Councillor, Lyn Sharpe, said of the event:

“I have thoroughly enjoyed chatting with students and Co-op Young leaders at Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent today. I believe that this will be a fantastic community resource supported by the students.”