A new community fridge is set to open outside Memorial Presbyterian Church on Oxford Ave in Fox Chase, marking a significant step for Northeast Philadelphia in the fight against food insecurity.
This initiative is part of a growing citywide network that emerged during the pandemic to address the increasing challenges many residents face in accessing fresh groceries.
The community fridge will be available to anyone in need, offering free access to food around the clock, a concept aimed at providing immediate relief to those struggling with hunger.
According to Liz Aubry, a volunteer with Northeast Community Fridge, the Fox Chase fridge symbolizes a collective effort from the community to care for one another.
Aubry notes, “It’s really a village taking care of this thing.”
The genesis of this fridge came from a group of community members, many of whom are experienced volunteers from the Germantown Fridge and other local organizations.
They realized that despite the evident need, there were no community fridges located in Northeast Philly.
Aubry emphasized, “Doesn’t mean the need isn’t there.”
While organizations like Memorial Presbyterian Church have been distributing food through their pantry since 2009, some distribution services have long wait times or only operate on specific days, which can be a challenge for families in urgent need of food.
The opening of the community fridge arrives at a crucial moment, as nearly 250,000 residents in Philadelphia currently face food insecurity, a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles within the community.
Recent cuts to federal funding have only exacerbated the situation, with a nationwide reduction of over $1 billion affecting crucial programs that enable schools and food banks to purchase food from local sources.
In Pennsylvania, these cuts translate to a loss of $13 million in food assistance funds, adding pressure to the existing food distribution networks.
Governor Josh Shapiro has indicated that the state will appeal these cuts if they are not reversed.
Compounding these issues are new tariffs set by the previous administration, which have raised the costs of groceries and placed additional strain on the availability of produce donations to community initiatives.
In 2024, the Port of Philadelphia handled more than $3.5 billion worth of imported fruits and vegetables, highlighting the importance of global supply chains to local food security.
Linda James-Rivera, co-founder and director of Northwest Mutual Aid Coalition, expressed growing concerns about the increased demand for food pantry services that her organization provides.
“Everyone is now coming to us,” she said, noting that for the first time, they have had to start a waitlist for pantry assistance.
Her organization distributes around 33,000 pounds of food each month across ten local pantries and thirteen community fridges.
James-Rivera mentioned a proactive approach they are taking by increasing the amount of produce sourced from nonprofit Sharing Excess while being cautious not to over-promise resources to new groups on the waitlist.
The concept of community fridges in Philadelphia is deeply rooted in the city’s history of mutual aid, where residents have consistently supported one another through various challenges.
The Northeast Community Fridge exemplifies this spirit of cooperation, emphasizing the redistribution of resources, which includes not just food, but also funds and transportation solutions for those in need.
As the Fox Chase fridge team prepared for its launch, they sought advice from other community fridge operators, navigating logistics such as electrical wiring and optimal placement for the fridge to minimize exposure to direct sunlight.
This grassroot effort reflects a broader understanding of food insecurity as an “invisible issue” that often goes unnoticed until it impacts one’s own family.
State Representative Sean Dougherty, whose district includes Fox Chase, has voiced the importance of such initiatives, stating, “A community fridge is the last option when crisis strikes and food isn’t on the table. It puts food on that table.”
Dougherty’s office is actively searching for potential state grants to help support the ongoing operation of the Fox Chase community fridge.
As this initiative unfolds, it stands as a hopeful beacon for residents facing food insecurity, showcasing the power of community solidarity in addressing pressing social issues.
image source from：https://whyy.org/articles/northeast-philadelphia-community-fridge/
