Sandwell Council is developing an Inclusive Economy Deal, which will be among the first in the country.

The deal will be an informal agreement between the council, residents and businesses to encourage them to play a part, in creating a better borough and redirecting wealth back into communities and the local economy. Sandwell Council will be taking the fridge initiative into the community to talk to residents about the Inclusive Economy Deal.

The community fridge will be stocked with food donated by local businesses and allotment holders and is part of a much wider approach to develop Sandwell’s Inclusive Economy Deal.   

Residents will have the opportunity to receive some free produce in exchange for making a pledge about how they can contribute to their community and complete a short survey about local priorities which will be used to shape the deal. Healthy recipe cards will be provided as well as information about local food banks for those in need. Councillor Bob Lloyd, cabinet member for inclusive economic growth, said:

"Look out for our community fridge which will be in prominent places around Sandwell. Residents can benefit from some free produce and all we ask is for them to engage with us and make a pledge to help make Sandwell a more prosperous place to live and work.

"Residents will be given their pledge to take away on a fridge magnet to remind them what they promised to do. We are fully committed to make Sandwell the best it can be and to do this we need pledges from residents and businesses."

The community fridge will be at the following locations during the week. 

Monday 7 October 2pm-4pm - Sandwell Council House reception, Freeth Street, Oldbury, B69 3DE
Tuesday 8 October 10am-12noon - Wednesbury Leisure Centre, High Bullen, Wednesbury WS10 7HP
Wednesday 9 October 10am-12noon - Blackheath Library, 145 High Street, Rowley Regis, B65 0EA
Friday 11 October, 10am-12noon - West Bromwich Leisure Centre, Moor Street, West Bromwich B70 7AZ

For information about Sandwell Council’s Inclusive Economy Deal and to complete a survey visit: sandwell.gov.uk/inclusiveeconomy.