A Dundee church’s plans to create a new way of providing fresh food to people in the West End have moved forward.
Gates Church, on Perth Road, is launching a community fridge where people can donate surplus fresh food and has commissioned Jon Frullani Architects to come up with designs.
Though similar in principle to a food bank, it will provide fresh fruit and vegetables and a referral is not needed.
The church wants to site the facility on Perth Road near the Tartan Cafe.
A shipping container will house a fridge, freezer, notice board and some seating.
The church will need to secure planning permission from Dundee City Council before it can proceed with the project.
The only place in Scotland to currently have a community fridge is Glasgow, but more are in the pipeline. There are already several in England.
Joyce Reid, carbon saving project assistant, said: “Quite a lot of places are taking it up so we thought it would be good for Dundee.
“It’s about promoting fresh food and healthy living. It’s different from a food bank as you need a referral for that and they don’t offer free food.
“This will be open to everyone and will encourage people to eat fresh. Everyone will be welcome.
“Perth Road is a busy spot so hopefully a lot of people passing by can drop off some food.
“We’re hoping to get in touch with allotment owners and see if they regularly have a surplus. There are a lot of allotments in Dundee.
“There are a number of ways people will be able to help. If, for example, an elderly couple have some apple trees in their garden, we’d be happy to come round and pick them if they let us know.
“Some shops have already said they’d be happy to help us out.
“There will be a notice board so we can use that to let people know about our work and what foods we will need.
“We’re hoping to get some seating areas so we will see how people are using it, but it would be nice if it becomes a social area.”
The Community Fridge Network was launched last year by Hubbub, a charity promoting environmental and social thinking.
