The Knaphill Community Fridge, run by Woodhill Church in Knaphill, began in 2019 as a local response to the 6.6 million tonnes of food the UK throws away each year.
The project began modestly, delivering food to people’s homes during the first Covid lockdown. It has since grown into a five-day-a-week operation in the church, serving around 300 family groups every week.
Jules Hopkins, the Community Fridge Coordinator, said:
“I first became aware of the Community Fridge model after watching Jimmy and Jamie’s Friday Night Feast on Channel 4. As a farmer’s daughter who grew up with a rationing ethos, I’ve always been passionate about reducing waste. Combined with my professional background in hospitality management, I felt that God was positioning me to set up something similar in our community.”
Working with local supermarkets, businesses and members of the public, the Community Fridge has prevented 257 tonnes of surplus food from going to landfill.
Supported by more than 60 volunteers from the church and the wider community, the fridge offers far more than tinned and convenience foods. Visitors can take home fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and meat, baby food, essential toiletries and even occasional luxury items such as chocolate and sweets. A queue system ensures fairness so that no one leaves empty-handed. There is also plenty of space for people to stay, enjoy a hot drink or a warm bowl of soup when the Community Kitchen is open, and catch up with others.
The Community Fridge is open to everyone — there is no means testing, and visitors come from all walks of life.
Jules said:
“Some people have been made redundant and need help reducing their food bills. Others want to live more sustainably. We also welcome many who are socially isolated, as well as recently arrived refugees looking for community, friendship, English practice and prayer.”
Lyndsay and Philip began using the fridge when their gardening work dried up during the pandemic. Although Philip’s work has since returned, they still feel the impact of rising living costs, and the Community Fridge helps them stretch their budget.
Lyndsay said:
“It’s not just about food. I’ve made long-term friendships. A couple of years ago, I only discovered I was eight months pregnant when I went into labour. It was such a shock, and we had no baby items. Friends I met at the Community Fridge and the church’s baby group helped me get everything I needed.”
One of those friends was Chloe, who started coming just after the pandemic. As a young parent, Chloe had struggled with anxiety and social isolation. The Community Fridge has given the family a strong social network. Previously, tight budgets meant reliance on low-quality frozen foods, but now there is enjoyment in cooking healthy, fresh meals with the produce received.
Rosa has also been a longtime visitor and has formed lasting friendships, including with many volunteers.
Rosa said:
“My daughter has additional needs and is on a reduced school timetable, so she spends most of the day with me. Coming here gives us a place where we can be ourselves, feel part of a big family, and not be judged. It’s wonderful seeing my daughter so happy and confident here.”
Rosa added that conversations with the church’s children’s worker had equipped the family with practical strategies for managing stressful situations at home — transforming mealtimes, bedtime routines and reducing tantrums.
A member of Woodhill Church for a few years, Rosa is always keen to give back. Last Christmas, Rosa donated panettone and other festive treats to share with others.
Now in its seventh year, the Community Fridge has expanded beyond food support. It has partnered with Lidl to distribute free toys at Christmas, helping families with extra costs.
What began as a food waste reduction initiative has grown into a lifeline — offering not only financial support to those experiencing food poverty, but also a space that nourishes people socially, emotionally and spiritually.