More people in Burnaby will have access to safe, low-barrier and non-judgmental support for nutrition.
The Burnaby Primary Care Networks started a community fridge program in June, which saw the first be placed outside the Burnaby Youth Hub at 4750 Imperial St. in Metrotown.
A second location is now operational at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in the Student Union Building next to the kitchenette, which is located south of Freedom Square between the Diamond Family Auditorium and the Academic Quadrangle.
"It is a place for people in our neighbourhoods to give and take, to reduce waste and feed their children better," a June news release said.
"It builds and enhances our food security in Burnaby."
The fridges are available for anyone who wants to take food from it. They are not policed to see who is taking food or how much.
"In Burnaby, we have a robust network that supports with an ongoing need for food, with Food Hubs actively working to support families and individuals across the city," the release added.
"But we already know that it sometimes isn’t enough, and we also know that there an awful lot of people in the city who are underfed but aren’t able or willing to reach out for help.
"Often these are our most vulnerable seniors, newcomers, and young families – sometimes it’s people who working hard to become more stable and find that they just need a bit of help to get through a week and to feed their children."
The first fridge was donated by Regal Rotarcats and supported by Refood and painted by teens and youth at the Youth Hub with a shelter built and contributed by students from Byrne Creek Secondary School.
Sponsors of the second fridge include Embark Sustainability, SFSS, the Burnaby Primary Care Network, Food Mesh, Burnaby Neighbourhood House, SFU Ancillary Services and SFU's Office of Community Engagement.
Residents are also welcome to go look at the fridges and donate something or take something, if needed.
Items accepted include:
- Fresh produce
- Dairy
- Bread
- Grab-and-Go foods
- Pantry items
- Prepared meals (made in a commercial kitchen)
Items not accepted are as follows:
- Expired food
- Rotting food
- Home cooked food
- Open packages of food
- Leftovers
- Clothing or housewares
