Shepton Mallet's community fridge is rescuing more than 50 tonnes of food a year and redistributing over a tonne of household goods every month, according to a council report. The scale of its work has prompted a proposal to support the service with £18,000 over three years.

Around 30 active volunteers support SWAG, operated by Shepton Mallet Community Fridge. Its trustees and volunteers contribute approximately 60 hours each week, with additional time spent collecting and distributing donations.

The report says its pop-up days and community fridge attract approximately 200 people per day. A recent school uniform exchange also handled around 1,500 items of clothing.

Since opening its High Street premises, the organisation has redistributed more than a tonne of household goods, electrical items, books, clothing and toys each month. Alongside rescuing usable items, it provides community meals, educational workshops and pop-up events.

The service is open to the wider community, with reducing waste at the heart of its work. The report says many people using it are experiencing financial pressures and value the help it provides with household resources.

Its Swag Bag Saturday events have offered everything from food and toiletries to toys and kitchen equipment. Residents are encouraged to bring a bag and give rescued goods another life.

Councillors will consider a proposal for £6,000 annually over three years on Tuesday, 13 October. The agreement would give the service greater financial certainty, with annual reporting on its activities and use of council funding.

The proposal remains subject to assessment and budget-setting, with the council's existing multi-year agreement fund for 2026/27 already committed. The Arts, Culture, Community and Tourism Committee meets at Shape at 7pm, with the full report available in the agenda pack.

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