A PICKERING volunteer group is proposing to open a community fridge project to help avoid food wastage in Ryedale.

Pickering Food Share, which has taken inspiration from Ryedale Free Fridge in Malton, and one in Norton, is currently raising funds to pay for essential equipment such as a fridge, freezer, shelving, large scales and insulating bags.

As well as insurance and food hygiene costs, the total amount the group needs to raise is about £2,000.

“None of this can happen without donations, we cannot officially open without it,” said Margaret Kirby, a volunteer from Pickering Food Share.

“The whole premise is that Ryedale supermarkets and local food outlets with any unsold items passed their sell-by-date, but not passed the use-by-date, can be donated to the Pickering Food Share.”

Organisers are hoping to open the Pickering scheme as soon as possible and food donations will be freely available for collection to anyone, regardless of status or social standing. Ryedale businesses, charities and groups have already started to generously donate essential items and money towards our cause,” she said. “If anyone would like to volunteer or donate, please get involved.”

During a recent meeting, Ryedale Environmental Group donated a cheque for £300 towards the food share project, after raising donations through various events such as the Bring and Take Days.

The Pickering Food Share will be based in Ings Garth, and will be open on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10am to 1pm.

Lisa Barry, an organiser for the Pickering Food Share, said: “Recycling food is very important as there are lots of families struggling to feed themselves.

“Collecting unwanted food, which is perfectly safe to eat, is saving wastage going to any landfills and feeding people. We have received lots of lovely feedback saying our project will be beneficial for Pickering.”

Anyone is welcome to donate unwanted food or volunteer towards the project. For more information, email Pickeringfoodshare@gmail.com or visit Pickering Food Share on Facebook.