Operating with a “take what you need, give what you can” philosophy, “Mott Haven Fridge” is stocked by a grassroots network of community partners, maintained by a team of local volunteers, and provided with ongoing funding by the Bronx Community Foundation. The first community refrigerator in Mott Haven, and one of only a few in the Bronx, the co-organizers say it represents an important step in developing a more robust network of community refrigerators throughout the Bronx to combat an unprecedented level of food insecurity in the borough.

 

“Food insecurity has plagued the South Bronx for decades, but this suffering has been an especially painful issue highlighted throughout the course of this pandemic” said Septimo. “This group is stepping in to meet the immediate needs for high quality, free, healthy food while we work on the long-term solutions to food insecurity, and we are doing so hand-in-hand with community. I couldn’t be more thrilled to see this effort come together.”

 

“Mott Haven Fridge wouldn’t exist today if it weren’t for the excitement and support of the local community, and we can’t wait to officially thank everyone who has been involved in turning our vision into a reality,” wrote Zauderer and Alvarez in a press release. “We hope that this new beacon of light in Mott Haven will not only provide community members with all-hours access to healthy food, but will also contribute to the wider public discussion around food insecurity in New York’s forgotten borough,” they added.