Today we’d like to introduce you to FunkyTownFridge .
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
FunkyTownFridge started September 26, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. We wanted to provide another solution to the hunger crisis’ millions of families have been experiencing in the US. Each year 108 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States. More than $408 billion in food thrown away each year.
FunkyTownFridge is a small solution to the big problem of hunger we face here in America.
Our founder Kendra Richardson who at the time was a 9th-grade world geography teacher decided that something could be done. A close friend donated our very first fridge and our founder took money from her own personal check to purchase the necessary materials to get FunkyTownFridge Started on the right foot.
We officially launched to the FunkyTown community September 26, 2020 and now have 3 community fridges in food apartheid neighborhoods in Fort Worth, Tx.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, but nothing worth doing ever really is. Sometimes as a mutual-aid organization you go through period where supplies and funds are depleted because of the constant work that’s happening between keeping the fridges filled, cleaned, and as organized as possible on a daily basis.
There are always things that are needed to keep the fridges maintained & functioning properly.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
FunkyTownFridge is a community fridge in Fort Worth, Tx that provides FREE food to neighbors in food apartheid neighborhood 24/365 no questions asked!
FunkyTownFridge is operated on a give what you can take what you need basis.
We specialize in providing food to Fort Worth’s most vulnerable citizens that are marginalized in many different ways.
What sets FunkyTownFridge apart from all locals food programs is that we provide food on a daily basis. There are no requirements for food when you visit one of our fridges. There’s a mutual care and respect for community and helping one another through the tough times we’re facing together.
We rely on community support as opposed to funding from harmful institutions that have perpetuated a lot of the poverty we see today in society. Beyond feeding the belly we also try to feed the minds of those who are looking to become more politically aware of the world around them.
We are most proud of the work we’ve done during the 2021 & 2022 Texas winter storm providing our houseless friends with supplies to help keep them warm and providing groceries and hot meals to elderly friends who don’t have access to grocery stores or transportation.
What makes you happy?
What makes us happy is the responses we get back from the communities we serve. They always make sure to show their gratitude in someway.
Contact Info:
- Website: FunkyTownFridge.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FridgeTalkTV
- Facebook: FunkyTownFridge
- Twitter: FunkyTownFridge
- Youtube: FridgeTalkTV
Image Credits
jzmn.r
