No matter what you look like, how old you are or where you come from, food is a baseline necessity. But finding access to enough nutritious food is a struggle for too many. According to a March poll from Vanderbilt, 41.2 percent of families across Tennessee struggle with food insecurity — a 9.9 percent rise from last year. Food insecurity is a huge issue that requires a multifaceted response, but there are simple ways to feed people, like through the Nashville Community Fridge.
The Nashville Community Fridge isn’t all that complicated. A lone, beautifully painted fridge sits under a shelter outside North Nashville art venue Elephant Gallery at 1411 Buchanan St. People can stock it or take food from it, any hour of any day. There are, of course, health regulations that donors must abide by. Raw meat, leftovers, expired food and already-opened items aren’t allowed in the fridge. Those who drop off cooked items must label meals with listed ingredients and expiration dates. (More information can be found at the Nashville Community Fridge’s Instagram account — @nashvillecommunityfridge.)
The fridge would be nothing without the people who donate to it — from farmers who regularly drop off fresh produce to chefs who supply it with delicious meals, and those who share when they have a little extra to give. People can also donate via Venmo (@nashvillecommunityfridge) or volunteer to clean it.
—Kelsey Beyeler
Education Reporter, Nashville Scene
