Teddington borough is set to get a new Community Fridge to promote fair access to food thanks to a new extended partnership between the Co-op and Hubbub.

A Community Fridge is stocked with food and is open to everyone in the community to access. They are also spaces where people can connect with others and learn new skills.

This month as part of its 'Christmas Together with Food' campaign the Co-op will be releasing funding to support 250 new Community Fridges.

After identifying locations for 100 fridges to be set up in 2021, Co-op will provide funding to support the setup of another 250 fridges by the end of 2023, doubling the size of the UK's Community Fridge network to 500.

This week, local store managers across Richmond borough and Co-op member pioneer Maria Nastri will meet to finalise the location of the new fridge.

You can help to support the scheme by becoming a Co-op member. When you buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to you and Co-op gives the same to local communities: https://www.coop.co.uk/membership

You could also get involved by sharing food with your Community Fridge or volunteering to help run it.

The partnership between the Co-op and Hubbub is being celebrated in a Christmas TV advert with presenter Dermot O'Leary.

The commercial also features rapper Big Zuu, who recently helped launch a fridge at the Afghanistan and Central Asian Community Centre in Feltham. You can watch it HERE

A spokesperson for Co-op said: "Co-op is here to support your local community and we're doing this through fair access to food, mental wellbeing support and opportunity for young people.

"2021's Christmas campaign, 'Christmas Together with Food' is about giving thanks and bringing people together at Christmas through the love of food and bringing a bit of cheer to people's lives.

"As part of 'Christmas Together with Food' we are announcing the extension of our partnership with Hubbub, which is our flagship partnership in our fair access to food mission."

If you know of a local community organisation that would like to become a community fridge, signpost them to co-operate.coop.co.uk

Find out more about Teddington Co-op on our Community Noticeboard