In Baltimore, community fridges have been a quiet horizon, maintained and even expanded across various neighborhoods. These fridges are generally hyperlocal, frequented by those close by, with the site provided and maintained by a philanthropic homeowner. Can we do this somewhere in Bolton Hill?
The concept is simple yet powerful. Individuals and businesses donate surplus fresh or prepared food, which is then placed in a publicly accessible refrigerator. People can freely take what they need at any time, no questions asked. This model not only helps reduce food waste but also supports people who may be food insecure.
Here in Baltimore, there are organizations like Leftover Love, which provide volunteers to pick up unused food and transport to other sites (churches, pantries, etc.) ready to receive these food items. These driver volunteers often stop by 1-2 fridges to drop off extra items, filling pantry shelves and fridges.
Beyond providing food, community fridges foster a sense of solidarity and mutual support. They create spaces where neighbors come together to help one another, offering a reminder that community-driven solutions can make a difference in addressing systemic challenges like hunger.
I formally invite you to join in a conversation about this magical movement. Please reach out directly if interested in learning more: junovalencia@gmail.com. It can even be magical to sit within viewing distance of a fridge and watch the donations and the taking in real time.
Here is a link to a google earth map with all the currently known pantries and fridges, which works best with the google earth app or on a laptop: https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1-_5Rwj2yL5mqC0jQu2Zc4SX2_loCNwDO?usp=sharing
Current nearby fridges can be found at 123 Linwood Ave.; Red Emma’s, 3128 Greenmount Ave. (inside); 315 S. Durham; York Road at Notre Dame Lane (behind the Loyola building directly across from the CVS https://www.loyola.edu/department/ccsj/york-road-initiative/food-security.html); outdoor free panty; 4248 1/2 Falls Road; and Community Pet Pantry, 800 S. Ellwood.
–Liz Miller
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