How these community fridges keep locals fedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

In a country where grocery stores and food are not in short supply, many of our neighbors are unable to afford the food they needGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Still there’s a lot of waste in our countryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The United States throws away about 80 billion pounds of food each year, the equivalent of about 1,000 Empire State Buildings according to RTSGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.comGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. One community initiative called Astoria Food Fridges tackles the issue of unused food by providing it for free to residentsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The goal of the community fridge is simple: to provide food to anyone and to eliminate food waste – no strings attachedGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. 

The Astoria community fridges are a part of an anonymous collective throughout New York City and the countryGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. New York City alone has more than 50 fridges throughout the five boroughsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. In Astoria, we have two community fridges, including one on 8th Street and Astoria Boulevard and one between Ditmars and Crescent StreetGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. The organization focuses on food rescue, which means that most of the food is donated by local restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and farmer’s marketsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Some local businesses in Astoria donating food include The Eight Street Deli, Zenon Taverna, and Brooklyn Bagel CompanyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. A range of food can be donated from fresh fruit and vegetables to dairy products and prepared mealsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. These community fridges are a vital resource to Astoria residents and useful in helping anyone who needs itGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

You can help the community fridges by donating individually or by contacting local businesses to donate unused food for the dayGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

To contact the fridge organizers about food donations email astoriafridge or astoriaminifridge You can also help by donating on their Venmo page: and