Take What You Need, Leave What You Can
Holy Trinity’s 901 Community Fridge is located outdoors on the building’s south side.
“The need is so evident," said Lee Goins, a Holy Trinity member, who volunteers as chief coordinator of the church’s food outreach ministries. “Our refrigerator is emptied out just as quickly as it’s filled up.”
Open 24/7, shelves are stocked every day with what everyday people have to generously give. Holy Trinity’s refrigerator is housed in a covered wooden frame, and the church pays the electrical costs. Its doors are painted with a colorful collage of faces by Memphis artist Mae Raki.
Food donations from church and community members include pre-made sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, deli meats, eggs and non-alcoholic beverages. Leftovers from Holy Trinity’s monthly potluck lunches – held on the last Sunday of each month – are individually boxed, dated and taken to the fridge.
Restaurants sometimes bring their leftovers, too. Adjacent is a blue metal shed used to hold nonperishable items like rice, bread, canned goods, dried beans, cereal and pasta.
Food donors and recipients follow a public Facebook page (4,500 members), an ongoing alert of food drop-offs and conditions they find 901 Community Fridges network across the city.
Feeding the hungry is an expression of compassion and social justice by working to ensure everyone has access to basic necessities.
“We believe everyone has a right to food no matter who you are or your income level,” Lee explained. “The outdoor fridge offers community building and helps out our neighbors in need.”
Food donations are always needed and greatly appreciated.