Growing food insecurity is impacting families across the United States, and Philly is no exception. Philadelphia’s food insecurity rate is 17.6%, according to Feeding America’s 2023 Map the Meal Gap report. So mutual aid groups are helping put food on the table through community fridges, which make free food accessible 24/7. These fridges are typically stocked through donations from neighbors and food rescue programs. Here are the fridges you can find across the city.
📍Multiple Locations
The Mama-Tee Community Fridge Project formed its network of fridges back in July 2020 and has since expanded to 18 locations. Philadelphians can patronize the distinct yellow fridges to find goods replenished on a weekly basis. Mama-Tee also has a free pop-up grocery store open every Saturday at 1 p.m. at 2203 Washington Ave.
📍Multiple Locations
South Philadelphia Community Fridge operates a mix of seven fridges and pantries across South Philly’s neighborhoods. Accepted food includes cooking oil, dairy and plant-based milks, produce, labeled homecooked meals with ingredients, shelf-stable pantry items, teas, and coffee. You can sign up to volunteer here.
Want to learn how to start a community fridge in your neighborhood? The South Philadelphia Community Fridge is hosting a workshop tonight at 7 p.m.
📍7902 Oxford Ave.
A new community fridge is coming this summer to Fox Chase at the Memorial Presbyterian Church. If you’re interested in volunteering, email northeastcommunityfridge@gmail.com
📍20 W. Armat St. and 19 E. High St.
GCF operates two fridges and pantries along highly trafficked sidewalks in Germantown. The fridges accept all sorts of food including raw meat (if placed in the freezer section), packaged meals labeled with ingredients and expiration dates, baby food, and even pet food. Toiletries and hygiene products can also be found in its pantries.
📍 2901 Hunting Park Ave.
The Share Food Program serves thousands across the Philadelphia region through its Food Bank. In addition to rescuing food that it uses to fill Philly fridges, it operates its own Share Food site in North Philly with a community fridge. Donation guidelines can be found here.
📍 230 Arch St.
The Arch Street Meeting House runs a pantry and community fridge from the historic Quaker worship site. The fridge accepts most items except leftovers, alcoholic beverages, and unsealed packaged foods. Its pantry also holds toiletries.
📍 2206 W. Jefferson Ave.
The North Philly Peace Park operates a community fridge in its green space. The fridge generally accepts most food except raw meat, seafood, alcohol, and other unsealed or damaged goods.
📍 6900 Stenton Ave.
This group connects Philadelphians to free food, hygiene assistance, and nutrition education programs. Hosted at the Unitarian Universalists of Mt. Airy church, the fridge and pantry offers homemade meals, snacks, diapers, and menstrual and sexual health products.
📍 3217 W. Clearfield St.
This community fridge is a result of a partnership between St. James School and William Penn Charter School. Thanks to the support of students, Allegheny West and Nicetown-Tioga residents in need can access the fridge.
📍 4134 Lancaster Ave.
The Lancaster Avenue Autonomous Space (or LAVA Space) runs a food pantry outside its location. The Ronnie Vega Fridge is primarily stocked by neighborhood donations, other food shares, or leftovers from its food distribution program.
For more food resources, you can find a complete list here.
