Co-op is increasing its support of fair access to food and Community Fridges this Christmas.

As well as creating a TV advert highlighting how community based solutions are cutting waste, the Co-op has announced an extension of its support to Hubbub, which has a network of Community Fridges, including one in Bridport.

This year's Christmas campaign, 'Christmas Together with Food' is about giving thanks and bringing people together at Christmas through the love of food and bringing a bit of cheer to people's lives.

As part of this, Co-op will continue its flagship partnership with Hubbub in its fair access to food mission. After identifying 100 locations for community fridges in 2021, it will be releasing funding to support the setup of a further 250 community fridges by the end of 2023 - doubling the size of the UK's community fridge network to 500 and saving around 34 million meals from going to waste every year.

Bridport Community Fridge provides free access to perishable food that would otherwise be wasted.

It has been operating in the town from the Chapel in the Garden for more than three years. It has collaborated with the Bridport Garden Glut and Food Stall, which takes place at St Swithun's Church car park every Thursday. What food is left over there, comes up to the community fridge, doubling efforts to save food waste.

It is open to everybody on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.

Lesley Windsor, Bridport Co-op's member pioneer, delivered 'sharing bags of Christmas cheer' from the store to the Garden Glut and Food Stall. These were packed with seasonal vegetables as well as some Christmassy treats.

She said: "A big thank you to Peter Wilson and his band of volunteers who run this much-used community resource. The Co-op is pleased to be able to offer its continued support."

In addition to supporting fair access to food, Co-op has doubled what goes to community organisations and local causes.

Co-op's work in the community in support of local causes is only possible through Co-op membership. 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. Find out more about becoming a member at coop.co.uk

If you know of a local community organisation that would like to become a community fridge, signpost them to co-operate.coop.co.uk