Yasmin Kaduji, co-founder of Banbury Community Fridge
Banbury, Oxfordshire
The idea for Banbury Mosque’s community fridge actually came from Tesco Magazine;
Yasmin read about it and was inspired to combat food waste in her local area. She
wasn’t a part of the mosque at the time but needed a charity partner and a bit of space as a
base for the food supplies, and they agreed. ‘The cohesion has 101% been a success’, says
Yasmin, who didn’t make a connection with the Asian community in Banbury when she
moved there just over 20 years ago, so she’s proud to see how the fridge has lead to her
two communities building links.
From grassroots beginnings – just carrier bags of food that were left for collection under a
veranda; ‘lots still went to waste’, she admits – Yasmin secured sponsorship that allowed
them to buy a fridge, for which they built a hut, that is available nearly 24/7 for those in
need of something to eat, or to help feed their family. With the help of FareShare they
receive donations from many local supermarkets, the Banbury branch of Waitrose included.
They have since extended and opened an indoor, staffed hygiene bank from which visitors
can claim useful basics such as soap and shampoo, but also see a friendly face. ‘There’s an
aspect of mental health to it as well. I thought about what I would want when visiting a
hygiene bank and as well as privacy, it’s ten minutes of chatting, of someone asking how I
am feeling.’
Jamie Lau, London portrait photographer, commissioned for Waitrose magazine.
#Foodbank #foodphotographer #BanburyCommunityFridge #JamieLau #StudioLau
