Week 11 of #52weeksofgiving - Restocking Seacoast Fridge - Kittery, ME
For week 11 #52weeksofgiving, Beau, Hannah W., and Hannah G. teamed up to restock Seacoast Fridge in Kittery, Maine!
While many take grocery shopping for granted, this week’s nonprofit reminds us that many in our community may struggle just to put food on the table and get household essentials. Not to mention, the pandemic has had a significant impact on food insecurity due to increased food costs and accessibility issues.
That’s why we were more than happy to fill the community fridge with items from their most recent grocery list — including everything from refrigerated and frozen foods to fresh produce to cleaning supplies and toiletries!
Learn more about this amazing project and how it’s helping the Maine and New Hampshire Seacoast communities below.
What is Seacoast Fridge?
Pull up to the main entrance of the Kittery Community Center, and you’ll spot a small wooden structure with a slanted roof and colorfully painted designs. Their motto, “Take what you need, give what you can,” is painted across the top. A refrigerator is tucked inside, but Seacoast Fridge is for much more than cold and frozen foods – the free public food station also includes a pantry for dry goods and household items!
Co-founder Whitney Blethen was inspired by Free99Fridge, an Atlanta-based grassroots organization that fights for food justice and addresses the needs of its local community through mutual aid.
Whitney knew the Kittery area could benefit from a similar effort. She collaborated with co-founders Katie Guay and Dave Vargas to bring her vision to life. The community fridge now serves as a way for residents and business owners to share without judgment or expectations. People of all needs are welcome to take from the Fridge, which is open 24/7.
In addition to combating hunger and food insecurity, Seacoast Fridge helps reduce food waste by allowing individuals and restaurants to give their excess food and supplies.
How You Can Help Fight Hunger in the Kittery Community
Seacoast Fridge is run 100% by the community, for the community. They rely on weekly donations of kitchen essentials, prepared meals, and household items. Before you donate, organizers ask that you follow these guidelines to keep the community fridge safe for all. Below are specific items they can and cannot take, along with labeling instructions.
If you’d prefer to donate funds, Seacoast Fridge accepts donations via their Venmo @seacoastfridge. The team uses these funds to:
Go grocery shopping and fill the Fridge on days when it is low
Maintain and upgrade the Fridge structure and systems
For more ways to help and keep up with their everyday needs, follow Seacoast Fridge on Instagram @seacoastfridge or check them out on Facebook! You can also help by spreading the word among your friends, family members, and local business owners you know who may want to contribute.
Is there a charity you love that you’d like to nominate for our #52weeksofgiving challenge? Contact us and tell us who they are, what they do, and why you love their mission!
