Our Mission
Madison Community Fridges is a collaborative mutual-aid effort to ensure that everyone in our community has the right to food, addressing food insecurity as a critical issue of social justice. Our 24/7 accessible fridges allow anyone to give or take food, under the motto, "Take what you need and give when you can." We aim to combat food waste and food insecurity, nourishing our community.
Our History
2020
The community fridge made its first appearance on Johnson St. in August of 2020, as a quick response to the pandemic, disrupted and overloaded food pantries, and high need.
We faced some challenges with regulations and learning along the way, finding amazing partners.
2021
We worked to get some sheds for the fridge to protect it from the harsh Wisconsin winters, and continue providing access to our neighbors.
We opened a second location at Neighborhood House.
2022
Facing a potential closure due to not meeting regulations, we found partners in Christ Presbyterian Church, who helped us by providing a space for the fridge but also in the process of securing the necessary permits.
We are grateful to Public Health and Zoning who worked with us to ensure that we were meeting regulations but also decrease the disruption in accessing this resource to the community. The fridge remained less than 3 blocks away from its original place.
2023
We continue to rely on our partners (Wonkas Harvest and neighbors) to provide fresh and local produce through the winter. We also rely on community donations of money, so that we can purchase food during the hard pressed months. As you can imagine, one grocery trip to stock the fridge can cost nearly $400, with food leaving the fridge within 24-48 hours. Even when we raised thousands in community fund$, we would run out in a few months.
In response, our volunteer members decided to take on a community garden plot to grow a few things. We continue on this effort, and continue learning. Please check out ways to support on our “Get Involved” page.