MAJOR high street retailers will give hard-up households free freezers this winter.
Iceland and Currys have partnered up with Birds Eye to help low-income families cut their food bills as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
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Food prices soared by 16.8% in the year to December, with basics such as milk, cheese and eggs seeing the largest increases.
But thousands of households can cut their grocery bills by almost a quarter by switching from fresh to frozen food, according to Manchester Metropolitan University.
To help, Currys will be providing selected households with a free freezer.
Iceland and Birds Eye will then help support the needs of individual families who could receive face-to-face cooking classes, recipes and general help with budgeting.
But the scheme is a trial and only selected families who live in properties owned by Clarion Housing Group in Salford, Greater Manchester will be able to take part.
Richard Walker, Iceland’s executive chairman, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is a concern for households across the UK and we know many people will be looking for ways to lower the cost of their food shop.
“This unique community project will help families with barriers to freezer ownership, and we hope that we will find that families can save money and improve their diets when they are able to access and use freezers and frozen food.”
If you’re not eligible for the pilot scheme there are still a number of ways for hard-up households to get free or cheap white goods.
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How else can I get free or cheap white goods?
Councils, companies, charities and non-profit organisations can all provide low-income households with white goods.
So if you can’t afford to purchase essential white goods don’t panic as there are a number of schemes available to help.
But you’ll need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the free help.
Councils
Councils have a host of different schemes that local residents can use to get free household appliances and furniture.
Be aware that the amount and type of support that’s available will depend on where you live.
What you’ll get will also depend on your own personal circumstances.
Free white goods are often provided through Local Assistance Funds and the Household Support Fund.
Check with your council directly to see what’s on offer.
Grants for those in specific jobs
If you have worked for a certain company or industry, help may be available to you and your family if you are struggling financially.
One of the biggest schemes out there is the BT Benevolent Fund.
It is there for anyone who currently works at BT, or who has worked there before including pensioners.
It’s always worth checking with your employer or ex-employer to see if they might offer similar schemes too.
Charity grants
There are more than 3,000 charities giving cash to buy white goods.
Most organisations require you to fill out an application form online or in person listing the reasons why you need help.
A response will then be sent to you with details on how you can claim the money needed.
To check what you’re entitled to, see the grant checker on the charity website Turn2Us.
Non-profit organisations
As well as charities, there are several non-profit organisations where you can find help.
Second-hand household items are available through Reuse Network – a national network of reuse centres.
You can search on the website for local centres to see what is available.
The items on offer include white goods such as fridges and cookers along with household furniture, which are restored and tested so they are working properly and safe to use.
In some cases, you will still have to pay for the items but this will be significantly cheaper than buying a brand-new item.
End Furniture Poverty lists everywhere you can find help for buying replacement furniture and essential household goods.
