As urban centers grow, so usually does a concern around waste and food availability. Many citizens of major metropolitan cities struggle to provide enough food for themselves, and food insecurity is a very real problem. Community fridges are becoming a popular way to reduce food waste while still providing much-needed nourishment to the needy. This article will examine the top community fridges found across New York City, the neighbourhood hosts that manage it, and list the resources available for anyone considering implementing a fridge project in their neck of the woods.
What is a Community Fridge?
A community fridge is a refrigerator installed in a public place, typically an abandoned building or business, for the free exchange of food among members of the immediate area. These fridges are run by volunteer groups and organisations with the intent of tackling food insecurity and cutting down on household food waste.
Community fridges accept donations from individuals, farmers, supermarkets, grocery stores, and food pantries. Comprising mainly of perishable goods, the food is accessible to anyone in the local community and is usually shared on a take-what-you-need basis.
How Can Community Fridges Make a Difference in New York City?
New York City has an estimated population of 8.5 million residents, and yet a significant portion of the population still struggles with food insecurity. It is estimated that 1.5 million New Yorkers live in food-insecure households, and of that, approximately a third are children.
Community fridges help to bridge the gap of food deserts and provide nourishment for those in need. The goal is to reduce food waste, and to provide access to healthy, sustainable food options that may otherwise be too costly or unavailable.
The Benefits of Community Fridges
Community fridges have the potential to transform long-standing problems related to poverty, food waste and food insecurity. They can help to alleviate the extravagant cost of food in certain neighbourhoods and provide a healthier diet for those in need. Moreover, community fridges help to promote a culture of sharing and friendship within a neighbourhood, allowing for it to help each other and build a sense of community support.
In addition, these fridges are also a great form of ecological sustainability and a great way to reduce food waste. Reusing surplus food engaged in these fridges helps to decrease the amount of food going to landfills and lower greenhouse gas emissions since those items wouldn’t otherwise be consumed.
Top Community Fridges in NYC
Now that you know what community fridges are, their purpose and how they positively affect the community, let’s look into the best ones that can be found in New York City!
- Astor Place Community Fridge
Located in the East Village, the Astor Place Community Fridge is a collaboration between Amnesty International and the East Village Community Coalition. They host a range of items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, dairy products, canned goods, and even homemade remedies. This fridge is run by volunteers who sort through donations and keep it stocked, as well as providing guidance and health advice.
- Crown Heights Community Fridge
The Crown Heights Community Fridge is located in Brooklyn, NY and is open 24 hours a day. The fridge is open to anyone in need, while they also prioritize their operations to provide resources for low-income residents, people of color, immigrants, and the homeless.
- Bushwick Community Fridge
The Bushwick Community Fridge is run by a group of volunteers from the local area who are dedicated to reducing food insecurity. They accept all kinds of donations, from fresh produce, dairy products, and canned goods all the way to cleaning and hygiene products.
- Greenpoint Community Fridge
The Greenpoint Community Fridge is located in Brooklyn, NY and is open to anyone from the local area who is in need of food resources or simply wants to donate. The fridge works on a take-what-you-need basis and consists primarily of fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, dairy products, and canned goods.
- Open Table Fridge
Open Table is a local organization based in Long Island City that provides healthy meals to those in need. In addition to their meal program, they also operate a community fridge that is open to the public and accepts donations from volunteers.
- Brighton Beach Community Fridge
This community fridge is located in Brighton Beach, NY, and is the work of a coalition of volunteers and local organisations. Open 24/7, it accepts food donations from individuals, supermarkets, local businesses, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs.
- Little Italy Community Fridge
The Little Italy Community Fridge is open 24/7 in the Little Italy neighbourhood in Manhattan. Here, volunteers can find non-perishables such as canned goods and packaged food, as well as fresh produce, bread, and dairy products.
- Inwood Community Fridge
Inwood Community Fridge is located in the Inwood neighbourhood in Manhattan and is managed by a local non-profit called the Inwood Community Projects. They provide access to donations sourced from volunteers, local businesses and farms.
- Union Square Fridge
This community fridge is located in the Union Square neighbourhood and is managed by volunteer local organisations. Here, you can find a range of food items, from non-perishables to fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Bronx Community Fridge
The Bronx Community Fridge is located in the Bronx, New York and is run by a group of volunteers from the local community. They mainly provide access to non-perishable items such as canned goods, packaged food and cereal, as well as fresh produce, bread, and dairy products.
Community fridges are a wonderful resource for tackling food insecurity, reducing food waste and promoting sustainable living. If you live in the New York City area and are looking to set up or help out with a community fridge project, these resources are a great starting point. Moreover, they are a great example of the power of community support and collaboration when it comes to tackling big problems such as poverty, hunger, and homelessness.
