Through the Community Fridge Project, a grassroots program housed under the Community of Congregations, volunteers in our community are working to make sure that no one in our neighborhood goes hungry.
Currently in the Oak Park and Austin neighborhoods, we maintain six free, 24/7 community fridges and pantries. They’re open to anyone — no cost, no ID, no questions. If you’re hungry, you can take what you need. If you have extra, you can leave something for a neighbor. It’s simple, human, and deeply effective.
These fridges are stocked and cared for entirely by volunteers and supported by donations of food and funds. With your help, we can buy fresh groceries at a discount, keep the fridges safe and clean, and ensure that families in our community have reliable access to food — day or night.
We are proud to partner with many local organizations to help with food drives for shelf-stable canned/boxed food for the Community Fridge pantries. Through July 31, the Oak Park Public Libraries (Main, Dole and Maze) are hosting food drives in each library lobby. When you visit the library, please consider dropping off items such as boxed pasta/pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, beans/soup, canned vegetables, and other unexpired healthy food items.
Another way to support the Community Fridge Project this summer is by signing up to host a food drive during your local block party. Join the over 50 blocks that have already signed up to help us relieve hunger in our community.
Food insecurity affects more people than many realize, but together we can make a real impact. This project is about more than food — it’s about dignity, community, and showing up for one another. We are neighbors feeding neighbors.
For questions or to learn how to volunteer or donate food or funds, visit communityfridgeproject.org or email communityfridgeproject@gmail.com.
Karen McMillin, Rev. Colin Knapp, Kristina Maynard,
Sally Olson, Jennifer Quinlan, Judy Klem
The Community Fridge Project