HAWKINGE COMMUNITY FRIDGE

Free surplus food for the community – reducing food waste and supporting local people

OUR HOURS ARE CHANGING FROM 5th JULY 2026 to ... 

Open every Sunday, 10:30am – 12:30pm

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The link to the Facebook page is at the top right of this page. 

Key Facts ...

Hawkinge Community Fridge is a volunteer-run project that collects good quality surplus food from local supermarkets and redistributes it for free to anyone who would like it. Our aim is to reduce food waste, help the environment, and support our local community — all in a friendly, welcoming way.

There is no referral needed and no questions asked. Just come along, take what you need, and help us make sure good food doesn't go to landfill.

Why it matters

In the UK, millions of tonnes of edible food are wasted every year. When food goes to landfill it produces methane — a powerful greenhouse gas. By redistributing surplus food locally, we help reduce waste, emissions, and unnecessary environmental harm.

How it works

Volunteers collect surplus food from local retailers.
Food is brought to Hawkinge Community Centre on Sunday morning.
The fridge opens to everyone from 10:30am –12:30pm.
Visitors take what they need — for free.

Who it's for

The fridge is open to everyone — individuals, families, young people, older residents, and anyone who would benefit from free surplus food.

Food safety note

We follow food safety and hygiene guidelines. All food is checked before being put out. We do not accept or distribute raw meat or fish.  

Staff are either trained to Food Hygiene Safety level 2 or supervised by staff who are.

*WRAP (The Waste and Resources Action Programme) is a global non-profit charity that tackles climate change by making the world more sustainable, working with governments, businesses, and citizens to reduce waste, promote circular living, and conserve resources through campaigns like "Love Food, Hate Waste" and "Recycle Now".