Dartmouth Community Fridge
In 2022, The Dartmouth Community Fridge was developed by residents living in Downtown Dartmouth who recognized that food security was a growing challenge in the area. As a mutual aid initiative, the project encourages community members to care for each other; however, there are two key partners who make this project possible – Christ Church and The Public Good Society of Dartmouth.
The physical structure of the fridge and pantry is located at 61 Dundas Street, adjacent to Christ Church. Since the very beginning, Christ Church has provided free space for the fridge and pantry, and also permits The DCF to use kitchen and hall space to prepare meals, host community events and meetings. The Public Good Society of Dartmouth makes it possible for people to contribute financial donations on a one-off or monthly basis to The Dartmouth Community Fridge, and also provides the DCF with financial account management.
The goal of the project is to help those who are hungry by reducing barriers to accessing to free food. The structure is open 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and people are invited to take what they need, or leave what they can. Community members do not need to sign up to take food or leave food. It is a judgment free place.
There are currently more than 60 people sharing their time with the fridge project. Using donated funds, each day, volunteers shop for food to stock the fridge with requested items, including milk, cheese, yogurt, fresh vegetables and fruit. There are people who pop by to clean the shelves and ensure the area is tidy. Volunteers prepare take out or community meals, organize fundraising events, write grant applications, manage social media posts, and attend markets to educate people about the project and sell fundraising merchandise. The project is completely volunteer led and organized!
Through fundraising efforts and monthly donations, approximately $150 of fresh and packaged food gets placed into the space each day by volunteers. That does not account for donations from neighbours and other members of the community.
Highlights:
- In a 12 month period, approximately $60,000 worth of food was purchased for the community fridge. This does not include food that was shared by community members!
- Almost 30% of Nova Scotia is food insecure
- No donation is too small! You can make a one-time donation in memory of someone or a life event, or contribute monthly.
- The project has grown to include participation in the Downtown Dartmouth Community Garden. The garden doesn’t just provide fresh food for the fridge, but also a gathering space for the community to enjoy each other’s company and natural environment.
- On the first Sunday of each month, volunteers prepare a meal for community members to enjoy. People can gather for tea or coffee and chat with each other as the meal is prepared. Take out meals are also provided.
- Take out meals are also prepared throughout the month, often a hearty soup in the winter or sandwiches and pasta salads in the summer.
- In addition to volunteers, there are a number of community groups that The DCF collaborate with: O’Bees, The Mobile Food Market, Wolfville Market to Go, Common Roots Urban Garden, The Bike Brigade, Feed NS, Parker Street Food Bank, local businesses.