Community refrigerators have been popping up around NYC over the past few years. As the food insecure population increases, these fridges provide free food resources for vulnerable individuals and families on an anonymous basis. Additionally, the fridges aim to reduce waste while helping unite the food equity community. Many of these refrigerators operate on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week basis.

If you want to join the fight against food insecurity, please check out the following programs:

1. Grassroots Grocery (NYCHA Holmes Towers 1780 1st Avenue at East 92nd Street)
https://www.grassrootsgrocery.org/upper-east-fridge

This program is super flexible and provides volunteers with tasks that can easily be done at anytime. After one signs up as a volunteer they can help by:

  - Donating food to fill up the fridge on the Upper East Side. According to its website, the organization accepts “donations of   fresh produce, nonexpired unopened nonperishable goods, and dated/labeled single-serving prepared food in see-through containers.”

  - Supporting refrigerator cleaning efforts

  - Picking up and delivering food from local businesses or organizations to the fridge

2. One Love Community Fridge (various locations in Brooklyn, including 303 Bond Street)
https://www.onelovecommunityfridge.org/fridges

This organization, One Love Community Fridge, is helping community members across all ages to gain “access to fresh foods, nutrition education, and sustainability” as it combats the stigma surrounding hunger and malnutrition. In addition to food pick-ups or deliveries, one can volunteer to assist with maintaining fridges as well as fundraising.

3. In Our Hearts (over 172 locations across NYC)
https://www.inourheartsnyc.org/

In Our Hearts established its first community fridge in February 2020. The group’s efforts have expanded beyond New York City to New Jersey. Many refrigerators which are located outside of apartment buildings or neighborhood stores provide local produce and healthy creations from chefs.

Help your community members today!

- Milla Duca '25