Start a Friendly Fridge to Feed Your Neighbors
If you’re looking for a way to support your community in these pandemic times – or if you have the luxury of having extra cash for groceries or leftover fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients you don’t want to spoil – put it on good use by running a free in your area. Friendly Fridge ( Morning Brew Editor Dan McCarthy is responsible for this idea ).
If you are familiar with the Little Free Library network — those birdhouse-style book exchanges on the sidewalks and backyards that operate on a take-one-one-once basis — then you already understand the Friendly Fridge concept.
Household refrigerators probably originated in Germany a few years ago to provide people in need with food that would otherwise have been wasted. Since then, volunteer-maintained refrigerators ( sometimes called “refrigerators” ) have been popping up in many areas around the world , filled with donations from neighbors and great leftovers from restaurants. It is a hyperlocal food bank alternative and food waste reduction strategy.
Public refrigerators play an especially important role right now, when many people are not working and have to choose whether to spend their limited funds on food or rent. In New York City alone, more than 2 million people were regularly deprived of food after contracting COVID.
Here are a few things you will need to start fredge in your area, courtesy of @thefriendlyfridge and Freedge.org :
Refrigerator (obviously)
Public refrigerators can be anything from a converted kitchen refrigerator to a large beverage cooler. It is recommended that the refrigerator be painted so that it is clearly visible (think of bright colors and murals) and clearly marked as a public resource.
Energy source
Your refrigerator must be plugged into a power outlet, so you’ll need an open space next to the outlet, either directly or through a sturdy extension cord. This could be a home or business (or perhaps a park if there is a public energy source).
Of course, electricity is paid – expect to pay about $ 150 a year (collect donations!) For the operation of the refrigerator. Additionally, Freedge.org has a solar energy guide for your public refrigerator.
Available space
In addition to choosing a location with electricity, it is also important to choose a location that is easily accessible and with high traffic, but does not block the sidewalk or road. Friendly Fridge offers street corners or gated courtyards that are open to everyone. Obviously, you will want to discuss this with the property owner first.
Food source
Freggies are usually replenished with community donations bought specifically for the refrigerator, but you can also check out self-help networks and local restaurants, cafes, etc. to see if they will donate leftover food they would otherwise have thrown away. … Remember that refrigerators do not need to have pre-cooked meals or permanent stock in place – random ingredients will do.
Volunteer host
Community fridges are supported by the community, but it is best to have a handful of people donating, filling the fridge, and communicating through social media. Friendly Fridge also suggests labeling food with dates and ingredients – you can ask donors, but that might have to be dealt with.
Set of rules
Food sharing is not necessarily without responsibility, and your city or state may have regulations you need to keep in mind or permits you need to apply for. Check outFreedge.org’s legal guide to ensure youare protected .
Once your public refrigerator is up and running, fill out this form to post it on the Freedge.org global map. And if you need seed money to buy a refrigerator, Freedge.org also has a micro- grant program – apply for a grant here .