LORAIN, Ohio – Next time you clean out your pantry, consider sharing your extra food. The Lorain Public Library is hosting a community food drive called “Share the Love, Stock the Freedge.” This initiative aims to fill the pantry shelf above their outdoor “Freedge”—a refrigerator available 24/7 for anyone needing food assistance.
The food drive encourages donations of non-perishable items. These are foods that are easy to store and can quickly help families facing food insecurity. Donations started on Monday and will continue until March 31.
Kathleen Norman, the Director of Community Engagement, emphasizes the Freedge’s role: “It offers assistance 24/7, no forms, no questions, no barriers. It’s free and accessible for anyone in need, and sadly, that number is growing in Lorain County.”
The Freedge sits outside the South Lorain Branch, but please bring donations inside the library. Items most needed include canned vegetables, soups, pasta, peanut butter, oatmeal, and snacks like fruit cups and trail mix.
The Freedge was set up in 2023 as part of a global community fridge movement, a collaborative effort involving El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Inc. and Lorain County Public Health. Similar fridges can be found in various communities across the country, offering food to those in need without any paperwork.
In 2022, a survey by the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that about 10.5% of households experienced food insecurity at some point. With rising costs and economic challenges, many families turn to local initiatives like the Freedge for support.
By participating in this food drive, you’re not just clearing your pantry; you’re helping your neighbors. If you’re curious about the Freedge or food drive, reach out to your local library branch for more information.
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