What's new?

Crayford Community Fridge

Figures show that 9.5 million tonnes of food goes to waste in the UK each year. Put alongside another number – that 8.4 million people live with food poverty – and you realise there is over one tonne of spare food each year for every person going hungry in the UK.

Tuesday 31 January 2023 saw the official opening and dedication of Crayford’s Community Fridge, located on the premises of Crayford Baptist Church.

A short service of dedication was attended by around 40 people from the three churches involved with the project: St Paulinus, St Mary of the Crays and Crayford Baptist Church, together with representatives from supporting organisations: Cory Environmental, The Co-Op, Bexley Council, and the Church of England Diocese.

The right Reverend Simon Burton-Jones, Bishop of Tonbridge spoke movingly from the Bible where Jesus tells his followers that when they feed the hungry and take care of the sick, they are feeding Jesus himself. And Jesus distinguishes that from those who don’t look after poorer people. But the funny thing is that neither those who fed the hungry nor those who chose not to feed the hungry, realised it was Jesus himself in front of them.

The fridge is stocked with both fresh and frozen food, as well as other items such as nappies and pet food. All the items, which are provided by the above organisations and churches, are free for anyone to take. We want people to know that they are loved by God and precious to Him.

Following the service everyone went outside to watch Bishop Simon cutting the ribbon across the door of the shed hosting the Community Fridge, and officially opening it. Afterwards we enjoyed each other’s company over refreshments inside the church.

Thank God for this initiative. Thank God for those who will use it. Thank God for those who provide it. In the chill of the fridge is the warmest of welcomes.

The fridge is currently open
each Wednesday from 1.00pm to 3.00pm, and is open to all.
You can get to it from the side of the church on Chapel Hill.

Stuart from St Paulinus has spearheaded and initiated the project

The Crayford Community Fridge is now up and running - but it had to be constructed first! Here's 'Stuart & Son' putting it all together.