Start a Fridge

So you want to start a free fridge/pantry: a step-by-step guide

Step one:

Talk to your neighbors. This step is critical to ensure the fridge and fridge users are welcome in the space! These conversations should include discussions on how to navigate conflict if it should arise and a commitment to not involving the cops. This is also a great time to coordinate food drops, cleaning and general involvement!

Step two:

Source your materials. You'll need a fridge and/or shelves, a power source and a weatherized shelter! To find these, we encourage you to check out buy nothing groups on Facebook or NextDoor! We can also support you in finding these items and can hire one of our BIPOC builders to build a shelter

Step three:

Make it clear what it is. Write free food in multiple languages on your structure, post our community guidelines on your fridge. Consider painting your pantry or let us hire a BIPOC artist to turn it into a work of art.

Step four:

Spread the word. Let us know when your free fridge/pantry is up so we can put it on our map and help spread the word!

We are in this together. We encourage hosts to take autonomy in this mutual aid project! Anyone can start a free fridge/pantry and anyone can use them! PDX Free Fridge is here to support