Using our services
Do I have to sign up to use the community fridge?
No, you do not need to sign up. The fridge is a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. We do ask you to be mindful of other people who would also like to use the fridge, and we may, at times, ask you to limit the number of items, if there is a large demand.
How do I know if you are open and if it is worth coming to the community fridge?
We ask you to keep an eye out on our social media and the dedicated WhatsApp group. Here, we will post what is available for collection. We will also announce any additional opening times on there.
Do I need vouchers to get a box from you?
No, we do not operate a voucher system. If you believe you require help with a regular or one off food box, do email us and we will contact you and discuss your needs.
I live outside St Albans. Can I come to CCCC and FCC?
Yes, you are welcome on Mondays at our lunchtime sessions at CCCC and Wednesday breakfasts at FCC. There is no requirement to live in St Albans or in the immediate area of the centre. You are welcome to come and have a drink and something to eat and take some of the available produce home with you. We always ask you to respect others when choosing what to take.
Volunteering
How can I volunteer?
Do contact us and let us know what you would like to help with. We always need volunteers in all roles: rescue rangers, who collect food from our suppliers; bread buddies who collect bread bags and act as a distribution point for the community, e.g. their street, local school, etc; packing pals who help pack food boxes for our clients, community fridge volunteers who are a friendly face when service users collect from the community fridge. If you have a valid DBS, we particularly like to hear from you as we always need more delivery drivers.
Do I need to be available at the same time every week to volunteer?
No, we always love to hear from people who volunteer their time, even if this is every now and then. We do ask you to be available a few times every six months, so you are aware of the what is going on.
If you haven’t volunteered with us for a long time, we ask you to come back when you are available again.
Do I need a DBS check to volunteer with you?
You do not need a DBS check to volunteer with us but for some roles, this is a requirement. We have plenty of roles whereby you do not need a valid DBS.
I cannot give my time but I would like to donate. How do I do this?
We always welcome donations, being it your time, products or monetary. Donations of food and toiletries (unopened) are welcome at our unit in Porters Wood (see opening times here) or you can drop them off during our Monday sessions at the CCCC off Old Oak, Cottonmill Ln, St Albans AL1 2EF. If you cannot deliver to any of those addresses, please email us to arrange collection or delivery.
For monetary donations, click here https://sacp.sumupstore.com/
Can I use your services and volunteer?
Yes, you can do both. We have volunteers who use our services and who give their time to volunteer with us.