Worcester Free Fridges Need Upgrades To Withstand Weather

Worcester MA

13 April, 2021

4:05 PM

Description

WORCESTER, MA — This is a problem most refrigerator owners don't have. During recent sunny, warm weather, the organizers behind the Worcester Community Fridges project discovered a unique problem at one of their outdoor refrigerator locations. The unit on the sidewalk outside Fantastic Pizza along Main Street was getting so much use, it wasn't able to keep itself cool in high temperatures in direct sun. Organizers have since installed a thermometer and a new latch at the Main Street spot to make sure the door stays shut. But the group is also realizing that their outdoor refrigerators — which, like little free libraries, provide and accept free food to anyone — will need to be upgraded to withstand New England's harsh winters and hot summers. Organizer Echo Louissaint said Tuesday the group is trying to raise a few thousand dollars for a variety of upgrades at the three outdoor refrigerators. The location along Southbridge Street, for example, will need to have its shelter completely rebuilt, she said. "Our goal is $7,000 and that should enable us to prepare to make adjustments for all three fridges over the hot summer leading into the cold, severe Massachusetts winter," Louissaint said. Worcester Community Fridges opened its first outdoor unit at Fantastic Pizza in January. The "WooTwo" site along Portland Street came next. A separate group, Worcester Free Fridge, opened the Southbridge Street location, but the two groups have recently combined forces with a mission of making it easy to access healthy food. "Worcester Community Fridges believes having daily access to fresh food is a human right. In Worcester, 15 percent of families, have identified as living with food insecurity," the group's website says. "While navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, these numbers have risen significantly within our city. Community fridges are open 24/7, leaving no barriers in the way of someone accessing free food." Not only can anyone get food for free 24/7, the sites are almost always seeking food donations. The Southbridge and Portland Street sites also accept dry goods. Donors can given almost any type of food, with a few exceptions. Monetary donations can be made on a monthly or one-time basis to help keep the refrigerators running, no matter the forecast.