The SAX Community Fridge in Saxmundham has received a £12,117 grant from the Sizewell C Community Fund to continue its efforts in reducing food waste and strengthening community ties. The volunteer-led initiative redistributes surplus food from supermarkets, bakeries, and greengrocers, offering it to local residents during regular community drop-in sessions held behind The Old Bank in Riverside Garden. By providing food that would otherwise go to landfill, the project not only tackles waste but also fosters social connections and improves wellbeing.
Each session serves as a social hub, where visitors can enjoy coffee, cake, and conversation. The friendly atmosphere has helped create a sense of belonging for many, such as new resident Jenna, who shared that the weekly gatherings have made her feel part of the community and eased her family’s food expenses. The new funding will sustain the initiative for the next three years, supporting essentials like refreshments, rent, and volunteer costs.
Lead volunteer Martin Thorold expressed gratitude for the grant, noting that while the project’s main aim is to reduce food waste, its greatest achievement lies in the community spirit it has cultivated. The twice-weekly sessions now attract between 50 and 100 people, offering companionship and mental health support alongside food sharing.
Managed by the Suffolk Community Foundation, the Sizewell C Community Fund allocates around £2 million annually to projects in the East Suffolk Council area that promote social, economic, and environmental wellbeing. SAX Community Fridge is one of eight projects sharing over £660,000 in the latest round of funding, which also supported initiatives like the Ogilvie Pavilion & Sports Ground, Rural Coffee Caravan, and Saxmundham adventure playground.
Since its launch just over a year ago, the fund has distributed nearly £3 million to local projects. Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C, emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations like the Suffolk Community Foundation to ensure that the funding delivers long-term benefits and reaches those most in need within the community.
