º£½ÇÊÓƵ

A new partnership between the Co-op and environmental charity Hubbub has been announced, with the aim of increasing the number of "community fridges" across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.

Around 100 new community fridges, where fresh food is donated by businesses, will be added to Hubbub's network to reach 250 by the end of 2021, the PA news agency has reported.

The existing 150 fridges redistribute an average of almost 6,000 meals per fridge every month.

Steve Murrells, the Co-op Group's chief executive, said: "Thanks to our members and customers, we're delighted to be partnering with Hubbub on such an innovative scheme bringing communities together, empowering people towards community-led food solutions that will help to build community resilience."

Manchester United footballer and anti-food poverty campaigner Marcus Rashford added: "Together with Hubbub, the Co-op has developed a programme that spans far beyond access to food and I'm so excited to see that my own community in Wythenshawe will benefit."

Tessa Tricks, of Hubbub, said: "The partnership with Co-op has given Hubbub a unique opportunity to expand its community fridge network at a greater scale and speed than would usually be possible.

"These fridges play a vital role in communities across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ by not only providing access to good quality food while reducing food waste but by bringing people together to share and learn from one another.

"In the past year, many of the fridges have provided a lifeline to families struggling as a result of the pandemic and we have seen the fridges turn into a place where people come together and support each other to tackle whatever challenges are thrown at them. They really are more than just a fridge."