Community Fridge in Peterborough Pops Up To Battle Food Insecurity

The fight for food insecurity takes one step forward as volunteers have launched a stocked community fridge that is open to the public in Peterborough.

The Community Fridge fully stocked. Photo Courtesy of Community Fridge PTBO.

The fridge and pantry are located in front of a private residence at the corner of Dublin and Aylmer.

At a community fridge, food is provided by people who drop off fresh fruits and vegetables, unexpired non-perishables, menstruation products, pet food and personal protective equipment. Restaurants can drop off pre-made meals that list all ingredients contained inside.

Community members are encouraged to “leave what you can, take what you need.” Anyone can drop off or take items at any time with no restrictions.

The project models itself on a growing movement of community fridges across the globe including sites in Toronto, Calgary, Kitchener, Hamilton and cities across the USA.

Volunteers have been working towards launching the Peterborough/Nogojiwanong Community Fridge since the winter of 2020.

After unsuccessfully asking several local businesses and organizations to host the fridge on their property, one of the core volunteers named Sunny, agreed to host the fridge on the front lawn of their house.

“The project has only brought smiles to people’s faces,” said Sunny. “Lots of people from the neighbourhood have already been filling up the pantry and fridge space and the past few weeks the only advertising for the fridge is the pantry itself.”

The newly established community fridge is looking for local citizens and businesses to support the project by dropping off fresh food and dried goods. Dedicated volunteers are also needed to help stock and clean the fridge on a regular basis.

For more information or to get involved, click here.

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