The Community Fridge in west London is a pantry and refrigerator for people needing food between paycheques or food bank visits. The fridge operates under a “take what you need, leave/give what you can” philosophy, where necessities such as fresh produce, pantry goods and personal care items can be accessed at any time of day, no questions asked, without enrolling in a program, and free from the stigma associated with food insecurity.
Project Summary
Fanshawe College partnered with the volunteers who run the community fridge to evaluate and enhance their operations. This initiative aimed to improve food accessibility for those experiencing food insecurity by conducting comprehensive research and providing actionable recommendations for expansion.
The Challenge
The Community Fridge, established by volunteers from the Rotary Club of London South, offers barrier-free access to food for individuals experiencing food insecurity. Stocked daily with produce, dry goods and dairy products, it serves as an anonymous resource for those in need. However, with an average daily distribution of $500 worth of food, the organizers sought to optimize operations and explore opportunities for expanding its reach. They needed expertise in evaluating current practices, identifying barriers and formulating strategies to enhance the fridge’s impact on the community.
I can’t speak highly enough about this particular organization. The fact that users can access it anonymously is a significant benefit for many folks experiencing food insecurity since there is still so much stigma associated with experiencing poverty. Users are so grateful, and our survey indicates that most users of the Community Fridge give back when they are able.
The Solution
Catherine (Kate) Traill, coordinator of Fanshawe’s Research and Evaluation graduate certificate program until May 2024, saw a unique opportunity to support the Community Fridge initiative. With funding from the Research and Innovation Fund (RIF) through Fanshawe’s Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI), Kate and a recent graduate began an in-depth research project. Their scope included an environmental scan of other community fridges, a comprehensive literature review, a weighed inventory study and a survey of regular users. The survey was translated into Ukrainian, Spanish and Arabic to accurately reflect the diverse user base.
Students in the Capstone course conducted interviews with community organizers and potential partners to identify opportunities and barriers for expansion. The research revealed that London would benefit from additional community fridges and formal partnerships with other local services, enhancing the accessibility and sustainability of the initiative.
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