VOLUNTEERS and councillors, together wiith Thurrock residents celebrated the opening of Purfleet Community Hub's community fridge and pantry today (Tuesday, 17 January).

Deputy Mayor Cllr Sue Little officially opened what is the borough's first community fridge in a community hub. From today residents across Thurrock can benefit from donated food items and surplus stock that may have otherwise gone to landfill.

The fridge and pantry at Purfleet-on-Thames, run by hub volunteers, are open to all residents on Tuesdays from 10am to 4pm, Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm midday and Thursdays 10am to 12pm midday and 2pm to 4pm. All items are free to take home.

Ward councillors Cllr Qaisar Abbas and Cllr Lee Watson joined Cllr Little at the official opening alongside hub volunteers, Thurrock Council teams, local residents, members of Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum, and Thurrock CVS's community builder Kim Vasa and food coordinator Eunice Flynn.

Deputy Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Little, cuts the ribbon in front of Ward Councillors Cllr Qaisar Abbas and Cllr Lee Watson.

Cllr Little said: "I'm honoured to have officially opened the community pantry and fridge at Purfleet Community Hub. After hub volunteers heard from residents who were struggling with the increased cost of living, they opened the community pantry late last year at the hub and have now boosted this offer with a community fridge.

"The pantry provides in-date food cupboard staples using donations from Morrisons in Grays, and other kind individuals, and the fridge offers cold food necessities. Volunteers collect donations, check dates on stock and refill shelves. We ask that residents only take what they need to ensure everyone who needs support can benefit from the scheme, and they donate items when they can.

"Thank you to a number of organisations and individuals who have supported this initiative including Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum, the forum's chair John Rowles, Aveley Village Community Foundation, Morrisons, Thurrock Foodbank and Thurrock CVS."

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The Purfleet-on-Thames pantry is one of a network of community pantries and fridges set up across the borough, visit the Stronger Together Food Network webpage for more information.

The initiative accepts donated food items and surplus stock from supermarkets, households, businesses and foodbanks. To offer any support, email: [email protected]

More information about Purfleet Community Hub can be found at: thurrock.gov.uk/communityhubs