Initiative Description
We at Brooklyn Community Fridges put on food markets in which community members of the neighborhoods we impact are able to shop for food at no cost. Everything from dry goods, fresh produce, canned goods and prepared meals are available at the markets. The reason for these events is to empower community members to learn about new foods and allow them to chose what foods they take home. So many organizations give out leftovers, food that's about to expire and prepackaged meals not taking into consideration that because we're dealing with food insecurity it doesn't mean we don't have allergies, it doesn't mean we don't have likes and dislikes, or just foods we simply don't like. Living as a low-income individual shouldn't take away your ability to choose what you eat. That's where we come in. Our markets allow people to take home exactly what they want, this is also a small effort we make to stop food waste. We've also discovered these organizations distribute foods that folks might not want or have never cooked with, and eventually that food also goes to waste. Here folks take home what they want and leave the rest! Not to mention all the produce is purchased at local markets to continue to further support our local businesses in whatever way we can. All fresh, chosen and bought with intention. Our community is something we plan for, not an afterthought. In addition, we cater to our unhoused neighbors who don't have access to kitchens or a home to warm up meals in, and have cooked meals which are individually packaged available to them as well. The funds we ask for cover the materials and labor for the protective structure and the food purchasing for the markets.