Tasty and Free: Where to Find Food Cabinets and Refrigerators in New York
'30.03.2021'
Olga Derkach
Just weeks after the outbreak of the pandemic in March last year, the problems of 1,2 million food insecure New Yorkers have been exacerbated by unemployment and quarantines.
With rising unemployment and school closures, some of the city's most vulnerable residents have been forced to turn to food banks. Thrillist... According to a report by Food Bank for New York City, in April 2020, demand for food banks increased by 75% compared to a few months earlier, with the number of first-time visitors increasing to 91%. There was even a moment when in public canteens it was reported that they had run out of food, which is why 48% of those seeking help left empty-handed.
In response to this ongoing crisis, public refrigerators and food cabinets began to appear throughout the city. They work according to the principle “Put what you can, take what you need”. Some of them were opened by charitable organizations, and some by city residents who care. Now, according to data from the regularly updated google maps, more than 100 refrigerators are located in the city. They are operated by several organizations. You can find the public refrigerator closest to you by following the links of these organizations:
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“Food is taken apart in minutes,” says Brie Calderon Navarro, one of the co-founders OurFood.NYC, a food organization in downtown Brooklyn that maintains a network of local community refrigerators.
Most Popular Public Refrigerators Around City
Broome & bowery fridge
- Location: Bowery
What can be found: fruits, vegetables, cooking ingredients, dry foods, frozen foods, ready meals, snacks such as fruit bowls or cheese, drinks such as single servings of milk or water. One of the few refrigerators that can store raw meat (as long as it is kept in the freezer). In addition, sometimes items such as books, masks and even winter accessories can be found here.
“We strive to diversify our options because we are not only for the homeless, but also for low-income residents who live in enclosed spaces and cannot cook. This is a collaborative effort by a large team across New York, and if you think your area might be using a refrigerator, let us know and we'll tell you how to get started, ”Broome & Bowery said.
Brownsville free fridge
- Location: Brownsville
What can be found: fruits, vegetables, dry foods and ready meals thanks to the support of a large network of volunteers for the A New World In Our Hearts program.
“Our refrigerator was usually open during business hours, but unfortunately our organization was recently hit by a fire and we are cleaning up the building before reopening it to the public. We believe our free refrigerator has become a great tool to support community solidarity, ”said a Brownsville Free Fridge spokesperson.
The chelsea fridge
- Location: Chelsea
“Our refrigerator is really for everyone. Anyone can borrow items, regardless of status, and anyone can contribute in any way they feel comfortable, whether it be donating food, spreading information, reaching out to businesses, or helping clean the refrigerator. We ask visitors to donate only the food they intend to eat and leave the refrigerator and cabinet in the state they would like to use it. We strive to treat each visitor with the greatest respect and dignity and encourage everyone to help each other, ”the organization said.
Cooper Park Community
- Location: East Williamsburg
What can be found: a variety of products, including dishes prepared in local partner restaurants and fresh bread. There is also a pantry where people can find long lasting foods such as canned food and snacks.
“We want people to know that there is a refrigerator and that you can take as much as you need. If you can donate, every item counts. The refrigerator has a very high turnover and food usually goes away in less than a day. If you donate a cooked meal made at home or in a restaurant, mark it and include the date, ”said Cooper Park Community.
Downtown B.K. Community
- Location: Brooklyn
What can be found: ready meals, snacks, fruits and water.
“A lot of people who rely on food banks are homeless or don't have constant access to a kitchen, so offering ready-to-eat foods is critical. In addition, local businesses and organizations in Brooklyn have shown tremendous community solidarity during these turbulent times by helping to maintain the refrigerator, ”the organization said.
Forest Ave COMEunity
- Location: Mariners Harbor
What can be found: fruits, vegetables, milk and semi-finished products. The pantry has canned vegetables, cereals, rice and pasta, as well as breakfast items and snacks.
“The COMEunity refrigerator is more than just a way to provide our community with access to healthy food. It also serves as a way for us to achieve true restoration, empowerment and unity in Staten Island among its residents, ”said Forest Ave COMEunity.
The friendly fridge bronx
- Location: Riverdale
What can be found: fresh produce, sandwiches, buffets, ready-made meals from different places like La Morada, Eleven Madison Park, local deli and restaurants. Additional milk cartons and lunch / snack bags from nearby schools are also available.
“We started partnering with nearby restaurants that accept donations from customers who want to support us. Moss Cafe, Claudy's and Taste & Sabor offer dishes specifically for the refrigerator on their menus, which are then delivered on a regular basis, ”the food bank said.
The harlem community fridge
- Location: Harlem
What can be found: fresh food, vegetables, fruit and shelf-stable foods (raw meat and frozen foods will not be accepted).
“The Harlem Community Fridge was the first refrigerator to be organized in Manhattan at the start of the 2020 pandemic. We support, serve and cater to many families (hundreds every day), ”said The Harlem Community Fridge.
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The living gallery
- Location: Buşvik
What can be found: perishable food with dates and ingredients.
Mott haven
- Location: Several locations
What can be found: fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, eggs, bread and packaged meats; and non-perishable foods such as canned food, pasta and packaged snacks. Finished products will only be accepted if individually packaged and labeled with ingredients and date of preparation.
“Our two Mott Haven refrigerators were founded by two sixth grade teachers from the South Bronx to support the families of their students. Since then, they have expanded to a fleet of volunteer drivers and distribution projects serving the entire network, ”the food bank said.
Overthrow community fridge
- Location: Noho
What can be found: plant-based products that do not contain animal ingredients, including honey and whey, and donations from restaurants such as ByChloe and VSpot.
Queens village community fridge
- Location: Queens village
What can be found: fresh vegetables, fruits, milk, cheese, eggs, butter, yogurt, bread and cold meats; and dry foods such as rice, nuts, beans, cereals and pasta. Cooked school lunches and lunches from nearby schools have also recently become available.
“We strive to reduce food waste so that all available healthy and edible food goes into our refrigerator. Our food goes away very quickly, usually a few hours immediately after storage. Ideally, we would like to partner with local grocers, deli and supermarkets in Southeast Queens to bring their surplus food and supplies to our refrigerator, ”Queens Village said.
Rockaway mutual aid
- Location: Rockaway
What can be found: fresh produce from the Edgemere farm, as well as vegetables and fruits.
“Our refrigerators are fairly new and we, as a community, are happy to be in solidarity with our neighbors and friends. We work closely with enterprises, farms to create a space where everyone can meet basic needs, ”the organization said.
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The uptown fridge
- Location: Washington heights
What can be found: groceries, ready meals, as well as non-perishable foods. Dishes from La Morada on Wednesdays and Fridays, bread is served on Saturdays.
“Potential visitors should be aware that they can go to the refrigerator any day or anytime to either donate food or grab something they need,” The Uptown Fridge said.
The West End Community Fridge
- Location: Upper West Side
What can be found: everything from fresh food and meats to homemade baked goods. Thanks to the home cooks, delicious homemade meals are often available.
2 Fish 5 Loaves Fridge
- Location: Buşvik
What can be found: standard foods such as vegetables, grains, milk, cheese, and other shelf-stable foods that can be prepared at home for many families who visit the refrigerator daily. For those who do not have a stove or oven, it is also possible to borrow cooked food and lunches from a nearby school.
“Community members often go to the store across the street and buy food for the refrigerator when they buy food for themselves. In addition, there are homeless people in our community who cannot cook for themselves. For them, cooking ensures they eat something every day, ”said 2 Fish 5 Loaves Fridge.
