Evanston has several opportunities for the community to give back to others in need. Whether that means donated clothes, money, or, notably, food. Many volunteer to work at soup kitchens or donate food to local centers and churches. However, one of the most reliable resources in Evanston is the community fridges.
The Evanston Community Fridges are local resources that help provide food for those who need it most. Evanston Community Fridges began in early March 2021, after the COVID-19 pandemic, when prices rose, and people needed extra support with groceries. The fridges are stocked by community members and volunteers, with fresh produce and canned goods for anyone who needs it, no questions asked.
There are 3 local community fridges in Evanston: the Soul & Smoke Fridge (1601 Payne), the Childcare Network of Evanston Fridge (1335 Dodge), and the Reba Place Church Fridge (620 Madison St). All types of food can be donated, with the most needed foods being fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and ready-made meals. These food options help local neighborhoods and provide nutritious meals for families.
Each fridge is open 24 hours a day, so anyone can access the fridges when needed. This is also helpful for ETHS students who can get involved by cleaning or dropping off food at the community fridges anytime. ETHS students can look up their local community fridges and bring any food items. If you bring food that is about to expire, be sure to write the date.
“Students can also take leftover food from school, club, or athletic events and bring it to the community fridges by individually wrapping and labeling the food,” notes Anna Grant-Bolton, an outreach organizer for Evanston Community Fridges. “We are also always looking for students to host food drives or do outreach with local restaurants and grocers.”
While many individual people have volunteered to help provide food to the Evanston Community fridges, community organizations have also made an impact. The Soul and Smoke fridge has donated its own produced food items such as coleslaw, ribs, and cornbread muffins.
“While working at Soul and Smoke in 2022, I saw how community fridges were beneficial because people could grab the food items they needed without feeling the pressure of being judged or having to pay,” said ETHS senior Kierstin Jamison. “I had conversations with others while stocking the fridge, and I was grateful to hear how thankful they were to be provided with food at no cost to them.”
As the community grows, Evanston’s community fridges have become a vital resource for those in need of food, while also being a fantastic way of supporting the community with donations. Having local fridges allows multiple ways for people to get involved, especially students. Whether it be giving food, helping organize drives, or cleaning the fridges, making sure the food is up to date. As long as the community supports them, Evanston’s community fridges will remain a great example of how local action can help neighbors support one another.
