Solidarity Fridges Provide Mutual Aid for Food Insecurity in Atlanta
Free99 Fridges, a community initiative founded on July 19, 2020 by Atlanta activist and entrepreneur Latisha Springer, is fighting back against food insecurity one brightly colored fridge at a time. The mutual aid organization Free99Fridge has provided 6 different public fridge locations spread throughout the metro where the community is invited to take and to give food at their discretion. The fridges, painted bright cheery colors, are maintained by volunteers and local farmers who keep them stocked with produce, non-perishable foods, homemade pre-packaged and labeled meals, fresh dairy, cooked meats, baby food and formula, pet food, and some personal hygiene products. For a full list of donations the fridges accept, check out their guidelines.
Calling themselves a “solution-oriented collective,” the Free99Fridge organization was born out of Latisha’s desire to give back in a tangible way. By virtue of the fact that these fridges are open to the public 24/7 – no contact, permission, or notice required to withdraw food items – the aid is truly offered up with zero shame or stigma to anyone who could use a helping hand. “We have removed all barriers and bullshit to helping those in-need by providing direct + immediate assistance,” says the Free99Fridge website. The term “Free99” is an urban expression used to describe something that should cost money but is actually provided for free.
Each fridge location is born out of a partnership with a local Atlanta business that has agreed to provide space, electricity, and open access to the community at large. Latisha, a Black woman and outspoken activist who spent the summer of 2020 protesting police brutality, chose to name each location after a Black community family member whose life ended too soon. The locations are named after Korryn Shandawn Gaines, Sandra Annette Bland, George Perry Floyd, Jr., Breonna Taylor, Michael O.D. Brown Jr., Elijah Jovan McClain and Tamir Elijah Rice.
The three goals of community fridges, according to the Free99Fridge website, are to eliminate food waste, provide easy access to fresh and healthy food, and encourage community connections. Latisha and her team of volunteers, partnered businesses, and all of those who donate to the fridges have provided a much needed resource for the people of Atlanta who are struggling in these uniquely challenging times.
Bravo, Latisha, and bravo, Free99Fridges. Want to contribute? Find a list of locations and learn how to financially support or join the team of volunteers on their website.
