Environmental Racism, income, and health disparities have led to food insecurities and apartheids. As a way to combat food deficit communities, community members gathered refrigerators. Community Refrigerators are refrigerators located in low-income neighborhoods that offer fresh, canned, or home-cooked meals. Residents can either donate items, or use the products in them, and some may also include personal supplies or clothing.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the number of community fridges surged. Now, there is often at least 1 in every neighborhood. As reported by Vox, it states, “The database Freedge, which maintains a map of community fridges around the world, displayed 12 fridges in the US in March 2020. Now, 160 fridges can be found across 28 states.” (Oung, 2021) With limited transportation and COVID-19 restrictions, community fridges aim to help people with food access who cannot travel or have higher health risks. Vox reports “In Miami, ... some food distribution sites adopted car-only policies due to Covid-19 concerns and turn away individuals who arrive by foot or on bicycles. (Oung, 2021)
\Community fridges are also suitable for undocumented immigrants to access food, as these individuals often cannot receive COVID-19 relief benefits or public assistance. Vox states, “Community fridge organizers seek to provide accessibility for all. There is no need to provide an ID or an explanation to use the fridges. There is also no policing of how much food anyone can take.” (Oung, 2021) Community fridges organizers want this to be discreet as possible. There’s a lot of shame around government assistance and fear of law enforcement. Community fridges eliminate both. The founder of Village (Freed)g\e, states “Some people don’t want to come here face to face to receive food. They would rather wait for nobody around. Because the fridge is out here 24/7, people won’t feel as vulnerable.” (Oung, 2021)
Community fridges are the best option for numerous people who may be financially insecure and have limited access to food outlets such as pantries, supermarkets, or farmers' markets.
Sponsor a community fridge in your neighborhood today!