WRU?

The demise of the West End Fridge is well-documented:

• Church’s ‘Friendly Fridge’ Forced to Close After Neighbors Complain

• 'Hostile' Complaints Force UWS Community Fridge To Close

• An End to the West End Fridge

• UWS Community Fridge Shuts Down After Residents File ‘Hostile’ Complaints

The Story

Community fridges intend to feed the food insecure in a way that is open, inviting, and free from shame. Anyone can give or take freely, no questions asked. The West End Fridge was formed in September 2020 and was housed at West End Church.

The Design

I created the logo and design story for the fridge. I was inspired by the bright and cheery grocery store coupon inserts. I also created fridge magnets out of polymer clay, as well as the design assets, for a fundraiser that raised $700.

The Work

Anyone could donate and the Upper West Side came through! I saw food insecurity met for houseless folks, elders on a fixed income, the working poor, and anyone who needed or wanted food. We moved thousands of pounds of goods and formed a network of drivers, volunteers, cooks, and neighbors who supported the fridge. That work is documented on Instagram here.