Community Fridge Trend On The Rise

Have you been walking around lately and noticed random fridges on the sidewalk? Community fridges are a creative new invention that is starting to pop up throughout many cities and towns. 

What is a community fridge?

Community fridges were first invented amidst the terrible beginning months of COVID-19. With millions of jobs lost due to the pandemic, food insecurity rates started rising rapidly. In an effort to help, some people who had old fridges started decorating and placing them outside on streets or storefronts around populated areas for those in need to pick up food. 

The motto of community fridges is “Give what you can, take what you need”. This phrase perfectly describes the whole idea that they stand for. Volunteers keep the fridges and pantry filled with donated food for whomever to take what they need with no questions asked. 

Ever since the pandemic started, numbers have risen so that 1 in 8 Massachusetts residents face food insecurity.

The Cambridge community wanted to help their neighbors in need so they created a CF of their own. It has a full-size fridge with a freezer and a 4-shelf pantry as well. Also, to help make it stand out and give it a personality, it has a colorfully painted design. 

Located in front of The Sinclair at 52 Church Street in Cambridge, “Cambridge Fridge”, officially opened on January 1st. You can either volunteer to stock the fridge or donate products (monetary donations are also accepted). 

How do I volunteer? Volunteers are able to sign up through the link in their Instagram account @CambridgeFridge.

What can I donate? Fresh food/produce, dairy products, pantry goods, prepared and packaged meals from commercial kitchens (with ingredients, allergens, date packaged, and expiration date listed), cleaning supplies, menstrual pads, paper bags, sanitizer 

What can I not donate? Raw meats, seafood, alcoholic beverages, unlabeled or open meals, homemade meals, home-baked goods, leftovers