Community groups in Shepton Mallet can apply for Co-op funding to set up a 'Community Fridge', to help make sure everyone can look forward to a good meal at Christmas and every day.

A Community Fridge provides access to fresh food and brings people together to support each other and learn new skills, while reducing food waste.

Co-op is bringing a bit of festive cheer this year with its 'Christmas Together with Food' campaign.

As part of the campaign Co-op is extending its partnership with the environmental charity Hubbub, which set up its Community Fridge Network in 2016.

After identifying 100 locations for Community Fridges in 2021, Co-op will be releasing funding to support the setup of a further 250 Community Fridges by the end of 2023.

This will double the size of the UK's Community Fridge Network to 500 fridge hosts.

Here at this site you can find out more information about the scheme and apply for funding to set up a community fridge.

If your application is successful you will receive £4,000 funding, support to help you get started and membership of the Community Fridge Network.

Christmas Together with Food is about giving thanks and bringing people together through the love of food.

The Salvation Army in Shepton Mallet shares Co-op's mission to make sure everyone has food on their plate.

Shepton Mallet Salvation Army captain Ann Chinye said: "We do food parcels every week but at Christmas we make hampers for families and individuals in the Shepton area.

"We make more than 100 Christmas hampers every year. This will be my fifth year."

People get referred by the Job Centre, Citizens Advice or their Village Agent.

Ann added: "This week we have made 26 food parcels for people in the Shepton area. We do a similar amount each week.

"If people would like to donate food for the hampers they could donate Christmas goodies, such as chocolate, tinned fruit and puddings. You could also donate UHT milk, fruit juices, tea, coffee and hot chocolate."

Donations should be made as soon as possible to be included in the Christmas hampers. If people want to donate gifts, donations suitable for teenage children in particular would be very welcome.

People have already been generous with donations of toys for younger children.

Food donations can be made to the Salvation Army, Old Magistrates Court, 21 Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet.

Ann said: "We are open for donations from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday."

This year Shepton Mallet Salvation Army has given out 598 food parcels to 181 families with children, 48 two person families and 369 single households, a total of 1,139 people fed.

Money can be donated instead of food, either by cash, cheque (please keep your receipt) or HERE : through its JustGiving page

You can find out more about Co-op membership HERE :

When you buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to you and Co-op gives the same to local communities.