Community Fridges: What They Are and How to Find Them

Hunger knows no zip code--food insecurity is found in every community. One of the best ways to tackle it, then, is through community-based resources, like community fridges. 

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What is a community fridge? 

• Community fridges are a free, anonymous source of food with 24/7 accessibility. Anyone can drop off food that they don’t want, or would otherwise throw away, for another person in the community to enjoy. Think of it as crowd-funding a full fridge. 

• Most community fridges welcome nonperishable goods, snacks, boxed meals, bottled water, juice, bread, fresh produce, and more. 
• Leftovers and expiring foods are usually not welcomed. 
• Some fridges, however, do accept prepared meals for houseless community members--check your local fridge’s guidelines before dropping off your favorite dish.
• Contributions are not limited to food, miscellaneous household items are frequently donated. 

• The community fills the fridge through drop-off donations and digital collections.
• People use platforms like Venmo, CashApp, and GoFundMe to donate to the community fridge. 
• Participants also partner with supermarkets, local businesses, and food assistance organizations to save food that would otherwise be discarded.
• Fridges in each location need a host, or a building to supply power to the appliance. These hosts are usually connected to the community, like a community center, a place of worship, or local business. 

The popularity of community fridges

• The proliferation of community fridges is a grassroots reaction to the food insecurity crisis in America. 
• They promote equal access to food through community-based donations, especially in neighborhoods where food assistance is difficult to receive. Food banks are not always close by, so community fridges offer a transportation-free option. 
• Community fridges also grew in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as they didn’t (and don’t) require people to congregate for meals. The fridges continue to provide assistance to those ineligible for COVID-19 relief, like undocumented residents and families. 
• Government policies towards fridges vary across the country. Traditionally, they are treated as common property, governed by community rules, and left alone by health inspectors. 
• Sometimes, health authorities do not accept community fridges and the fridge host can face legal battles. Learn more about community fridges’ legal guide here. 

How to find a community fridge near you

• Freedgeis an organization with a worldwide network of community fridges. Freedge’s website features a map and database that can pinpoint community fridges over the globe. Can’t find a fridge near you? Fridge also offers resources on how to start your own community fridge. 
• Change X has a similar map and database to find a fridge in your neighborhood. 
• Here are available databases to find a community fridge in major American cities:
• Los Angeles
• Philadelphia
• Boston
• Chicago

Do you have a community fridge near you?