A community group has launched a 'Community Fridge', in a growing effort to tackle food waste.

Refurbs Flint has launched the Community Fridge, with the support of environmental charity Hubbub UK and the Co-op, and thanks to donations of fridges from Clwyd Alyn and Groundwork North Wales.

The fridge is located at Refurbs Flint, Aber Park Ind Estate (Flint, CH5 6EX) and is one of 100 new community fridges that will be opened over the next year, which are expected to save 6.8 million meals per year from going to waste. The fridge will be open on Wednesdays 9.30am-11.30am and Fridays 2pm-4pm.

The Community Fridge is open to everyone in the local community - without any need to be referred or having to prove eligibility - to access fresh food that would otherwise have gone to waste. The food is donated by local businesses - with Co-op donating surplus food from its stores.

Food waste is a big issue in the UK. The average household throws away £700 worth of food every year and at the same time four million people in the UK are living in food poverty. Most food waste in the UK is avoidable and could have been eaten had it been better managed.

Loran Crawshaw from Refurbs Flint, said: "Community Fridges are a wonderful concept and we're delighted to host the first in Flint. All our visitors are welcome to get involved, whether by receiving food or coming along to volunteer. We are excited to be promoting food sustainability and looking forward to establishing cooking classes and workshops on food sustainability."

As well as improving access to food, the fridges go beyond this by empowering communities to connect with each other, and learn new skills through activities such as cookery sessions and workshops on how to grow your own fruit and veg.

Refurbs Flint is calling local food retailers, and vegetable growers in the local area to get in touch if they have surplus food to donate.

You can also get in touch if you are interested in volunteering to assist with the Community Fridge. If you are interested in getting involved you can contact Refurbs Flint on 01352 734111, email communityfridge@refurbs.org.uk or find them on Facebook by searching Refurbs Flint.