How ‘Fresh Fridges’ are expanding access to nutritious foods

One of the most significant challenges local food access agencies face in the fight against hunger is the need for cold storage and refrigeration. 

Fresh produce and other perishable items, essential for a nutritious diet, require refrigeration, and many smaller nonprofits and food pantries simply don’t have enough of it. This limits their ability to keep fresh, healthy foods available for those who need them most.

Recognizing this gap, Lakeshore Food Rescue in 2022 launched its “Fresh Fridges” program, an initiative aimed at increasing cold storage capacity across Ottawa County. By installing refrigerators at partner locations, the program enables local nonprofits to maintain a steady supply of fresh, wholesome food.

Lakeshore Food Rescue doesn’t just stop once the refrigerators are installed. It ensures that these fridges are consistently stocked with high-quality items sourced through local food rescue efforts.

“Good food belongs with people, not landfills,” says Krista Burgett, senior manager of Lakeshore Food Rescue. “By collaborating with partners in our community who are already doing critical community-building and food access work, we’ve been able to build solutions that decrease food waste and food insecurity. We’re so grateful for support from key partners like the Junior Welfare League (a donor to the project) that allows us to continue building a stronger, healthier community.”

Seven partners around the county

The program took a significant step forward in July when Lakeshore Food Rescue, with funds provided by Ottawa County through the American Rescue Plan Act, installed two new refrigerators at the Boys and Girls Club of Holland and Georgetown United Methodist Church in Jenison. 

Those bring the total number of Fresh Fridges in Ottawa County to seven, each one a critical resource. For local nonprofits like the Boys and Girls Club of Holland, the addition of a Fresh Fridge is a game changer.

“We are immensely grateful to Community Action House for their generous donation of a refrigerator stocked with fresh, healthy foods," says Joshua Kelch, of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland. "This initiative provides essential nutrition to our members and the local community, addressing food insecurity and fostering a healthier, stronger environment for all.”

Courtesy CAHThe Fresh Fridge at Escape Ministries is one of seven in Ottawa County.

The Fresh Fridges program is making an impact in other locations. Georgetown United Methodist Church in Jenison, which serves 50-60 families each month through its on-site food pantry, now can offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options every time families visit. Before the installation, the pantry had very limited cold storage and could not meet the needs of its guests.

The Fresh Fridges program extends to other local partners as well, including Coopersville Cares, Replenish food pantry at Grand Valley State University, Escape Ministries, and St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Last year, the program distributed over 37,451 pounds of wholesome food to these partners.

“Our clients are just so very happy that we are able to provide the rescue grocery program to them,” says Ann Fletcher, St. Vincent de Paul manager. You can hear it in their voices and see the excitement in their faces. It is truly an amazing program.”
To learn more or get involved, visit lakeshorefoodrescue.org.