Surbiton Community Fridge is now also operating in Norbiton at Kingston Road Recreation Ground.

The event runs on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 11am to 1 pm.

Surbiton Community Fridge is a project run by the Migrant Advocacy Service.

It is a non-profit charity project that redistributes surplus food to the general community.

The charity aims to reduce local food waste, relieve pressures on household food budgets, and raise public awareness around food waste.

Its aim is to make good food surplus available free of charge to reduce food waste.

The idea is that people go to the Community Fridge events to collect food that will otherwise be dumped.

It is advised that you bring a carrier bag with you (ideally a reusable bag) and one of the volunteers will welcome you to select some items that you would like.

Susan Skipwith, a Norbiton Councillor said: "Not only will these two fantastic community initiatives help households in and around Norbiton who might be struggling with cost-of-living pressures, but they're also great examples of residents proactively coming together to reduce food waste, create inclusive spaces and foster vital social connections."

Nadia Haddi, who helps run the Surbiton Community Fridge, explained "We created the Community Fridge to help save food waste that would otherwise be dumped and distribute it around the community.

"All people need to do to take advantage of the food we collect from supermarkets is to come along to our new venue in Kingston Road Recreation Ground, bring an ideally reusable carrier bag and take advantage of the free food."

"It's very much a community win win, and we hope to extend our days - we're currently open Sunday/Monday/Tuesday/ Friday from 11am to 1pm - as we recruit more volunteers."

Kingston Road Recreation Ground is the nearest park to the Cambridge Road Estate, which is in the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England and is the most disadvantaged area in Kingston.

So, whilst these projects aren't just for these residents at all, he Norbiton location will be beneficial to those living in Cambridge Road Estate.

Another venture to move to Norbiton is the Square 1 café, which has been operating at Kingsmeadow on Mondays since 2 October.

Square 1 cafe now operates on Mondays in KIngsmeadow (Credit: Michele Lewington)

Michele Lewington, director at New Era Community Projects , the nonprofit behind the Square 1 Cafe Kingsmeadow, that already offers other successful cafes in North Kingston & Chessington , said: "Knowing how social isolation has increased significantly since the pandemic, and that there is a strong correlation between financial concerns and increased loneliness, two years ago we began working closely with Tony Williams who initially created the Square 1 Cafe concept (at The Environment Centre, New Malden, on Saturdays) to help provide a safe, inclusive space where everyone is welcome and everything is free (or until it runs out)."

She told Kingston Nub News: "Our newest venture opened ostensibly for disabled track users in April 2024 but we extended the service to the general community on 2 September and are now open every Monday from 1-3pm at the Weir Archer Centre by Kingsmeadow off Kingston Road, in Norbiton.

"We offer people the chance to stop by for a cuppa, a chat, a made to order sandwich and pastries and the chance to play some board games."

"We're lucky to have the support of Kingston Charitable Foundation and Kingston Council providing initial setup funding, plus wonderful volunteers, and are already getting some lovely feedback from our guests, " she continued.

"We sincerely hope this will become a firm local fixture for many more people every week. If you are interested in volunteering for a few hours on Mondays, please feel free to contact us. It's a lovely environment and we are all super friendly."

Square 1 Cafe is looking for volunteers to help out on Mondays in Kingsmeadow (Credit: Michele Lewington)