Marin Community Fridges
About Community Fridges
Community fridges are a mutual aid space where people take responsibility in caring for one another by redistributing resources.
Fridges are set up and run by the people, for the people, and they serve as a solution for both food insecurity, and food waste.
Free food for all.
No questions asked.
Take what you need, leave what you don’t!
Marin County Locations
26 Medway Rd,
San Rafael, CA
(Fridge w/o freezer, pantry to the right)
22 Frances St,
San Rafael, CA
(Refrigerator with pantry shelving)
170 N San Pedro Rd,
San Rafael, CA
(Refrigerator and pantry shelving)
215 Shoreline Hwy,
Mill Valley, CA
(Pantry Only)
620 Del Ganado Rd
Christ Presbyterian Church
San Rafael, CA
(Fridge is located across the lawn, between the church building and the labyrinth, next to the Montessori(not visible from the curb))
How Does It Work?
Hosting a Fridge
Stocking a Fridge
Maintaining a Fridge
Why Not Just Direct Efforts & Funds to Existing Food Agencies?
There are people and organizations doing great work, but stigma around food security and barriers to access still exist.
Through COVID-19, we have seen a growing need for financial and nutritional aid. The goal is to provide 24/7 access to free, fresh and nutritious food.
We also want participatory, citizen-led initiatives because engaging neighbors results in an engaged and caring city.
Why Does Marin Need This?
Marin County is one of the healthiest and wealthiest counties in the NATION. Yet ~20% of the population–1 in 5 residents–are at risk of food insecurity.
There are ~8,000 Marin households enrolled in the State of California’s CalFresh Program. The monthly allotment for a one-person household is $194–a little more than $6 per day….
Build Community
You will need to build a network of community members in your area committed to supporting maintain, stock, clean and sanitize the fridge! The more folks committed, the less “work” for all! Get creative!
Provide Electricity
The expected cost to provide power to the fridge is about $15-$30/month. Encourage neighbors to participate and support these costs!
Find an Outdoor Space
The fridge ideally needs to be accessible 24/7. The main goal is to get the fridge up and running, but you will eventually work to build a small shed to shelter the fridge from the elements.
Fridge Guidelines
WHAT TO GIFT THE FRIDGE:
✔ Fresh Fruit
✔ Fresh Vegetables
✔ Breads + Pastries (with packaging)
✔ Non-perishable pantry items (e.g. rice, pasta, canned food, etc)
✔ Personal hygiene products (e.g. toothpaste, lotion, individually wrapped toilet paper, pads, tampons, etc.)
✔ Personal protective equipment (e.g. masks, gloves, hand warmers, etc)
✔ Individually wrapped plastic utensils
WHAT NOT TO GIFT THE FRIDGE:
❌ ANY Meat, Raw or otherwise
❌ Alcoholic beverages
❌ Expired items
❌ Household furniture or items (e.g. tables, blankets, pots, etc)
❌ Clothing (e.g. jackets, shoes, etc)
❌ Pet supplies
❌ Children’s toys
❌ Condoms
❌ Anything you wouldn’t feed to your family
Will You Donate Today?
The network needs funds ($) for:
Refrigerators
- New or loved
Sanitation Supplies
- Hand sanitizer
- Paper towels
- Sanitizing sprays
- Disinfecting wipes
- Baking soda
- Wood planks
- Outdoor paint
- Brushes
- Metal fasteners
Food!
- Fresh produce
- Non-perishable items (which include breads and jams)