While the cost of food continues to rise in America, families across the county continue to live on the edge of poverty and wonder where their next meal is coming from. The USDA revealed that a staggering 10.5% of Americans continue to suffer from food insecurity from 2019 to 2020. Since the early 2000s, communities have noticed the need for accessible food for people. Neighborhoods, universities and movements have fought and provided for those in need through the implementation of community fridges.
Community fridges solve the immediate problem of hunger by offering pantry and refrigerated products. Anyone is welcome to benefit from the free services, but general social rules are expected to be followed. Most importantly, leave what is not needed. It’s all in the effort to care and look after others in local communities.
Well, how do they provide for the community?
Local Impact
Multiple universities in Southern California are utilizing the benefits of community fridges for their student population. The University of Southern California implemented a community fridge run by the USC Community Health Involvement Project but supported by many organizations in the city. Its mission is to drive the accessibility of food in various neighborhoods. Similarly, Pierce College, located in Los Angeles County, surveyed the student body and proposed their campus install two community fridges, due to the rising poverty rates throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
Resources
The Los Angeles Community Fridges network promotes “Take what you need, leave what you don’t. Agarra lo que necesitas, deja lo que no.” across 22 locations in Los Angeles County. Interested readers can follow them on Instagram @lacommunityfridges or keep up via Slack. All of their resources are translated into English and Spanish, reaching wider audiences in need.
Find one near you:
More research:
Community fridges are lifelines for the neighborhoods they serve – Vox
Community Fridges – Changefood.org
Emily Frisan 
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