According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 30 million people, including 9 million children, are food insecure. Food insecurity is when a person or household lacks reliable and consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Community fridges are a great way to fight hunger, while still allowing people to keep their dignity. 

A community fridge is essentially what it sounds like – a fridge for the community. Fridges are open to all and are stocked with basic food necessities, such as milk, juice, lunch meat, bread, cheese, fresh fruits, and vegetables, etc. They engage the entire community – and people who have extra to give can contribute food or monetary donations. Just one community fridge located in Newark NJ sponsored by a nonprofit called Leaders For Life (L4L) was able to feed over 575 people within the first six weeks of opening. 

Community fridges bring people together to see fresh food being eaten and shared, rather than going to waste. They promote inclusivity and dignity by being open to all to receive or give. It is a place where people can connect, learn new things, and give back to the community.