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Dozens of community members and elected officials gathered Mar. 29 at the reopening of the Ambler Community Fridge, which will provide free food to community members in need.
Elected leaders and community members in attendance spoke of the unique and important role that community fridges provide in addressing food insecurity, which is a growing concern as food banks experience cuts and residents face increasing economic uncertainty.
The fridge is now located at Ambler Mennonite Church, 90 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave. It operated at Weavers Way Ambler for two and a half years and served countless residents. While there, it had to be restocked daily to keep up with demand. Community members donated to the fridge and the Co-op stocked it and the pantry with products that were purchased at-cost and/or nearing expiration. Residents with plots at the Ambler Community Garden provided vegetables during the growing season.
The fridge was removed in October 2023 due to updated Montgomery County health regulations that prohibited its operation on the grounds of a grocery store. Since then, community members have worked to find a new home for it.
Once the church was identified as a new home for the fridge, a new one was purchased by the Co-op and sent to Fresh Artists, an East Falls-based nonprofit that works with kids to exhibit their artwork and supports art programs for public schools in need. They wrapped it with images of colorful fruits and vegetables made by children.
The fridge is in a shelter with an area for dry goods. It will be open every day to the public in the parking lot of the church.
According to Nima Koliwad, Weavers Way outreach manager, community fridges are a great way to combat food insecurity and tackle food waste at the same time.
“[They] work to connect and engage people by providing access to fresh, healthy food with no stigma,” she said. “Take what you need, leave what you can; it’s a simple motto that helps people care for others in need through small food donations.”
State Sen. Maria Collett, State Rep. Melissa Cerrato, Ambler Borough Councilwoman Jennifer Henderson and the office of Congresswoman Madeleine Dean joined the community gathering. Each of them briefly addressed the audience.
“Every one of our neighbors deserves access to healthy, affordable meals, but far too many are facing the devastating reality of food insecurity,” Collett said. “While the federal government continues to cut programs that support working families, mutual aid initiatives like the community fridge in Ambler help fill critical gaps.”
A staff member from Dean’s office called the fridge “a testament to community — to neighbors coming together to support one another in difficult times.”
Michelle Curtis, co-pastor of the church, said the fridge demonstrates the love of God and of neighbors.
“As a pastor, it’s been a great joy to watch the church and wider community come together to share food with neighbors who need it,” she said. “From connections with the Co-op and local food pantry who will help stock the fridge to individual volunteers who will paint the shelter and
‘rescue’ perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste, it’s a community effort all around.”