Created in response to the heightened food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fridge in the Square is a “take what you need, leave what you can” community fridge. Through the generous donations of community members and local businesses, the fridge provides free groceries and essential material support (such as utensils, masks, and menstrual supplies) to those who need them. 

The Fridge in the Square is a mutual aid organization, meaning it relies on people and communities instead of institutions to provide care to each other. In practicing mutual aid, Fridge in the Square is not performing charity or participating in hierarchies of who deserves access to care. They adopt a sharing and volunteer approach to providing care with a “give AND take” model, rather than only giving care out.

Volunteer activities have included:

• Picking up delivered food

• Cleaning and monitoring the fridge

• Participating in monthly meetings

• Social media management

• Community outreach

• Answering press inquiries

• Liaising with local businesses