Sustainable Connections is opening its third community refrigerator Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the North Fork Community Library in Kendall, announced by the nonprofit in a news release Monday, Nov. 4.
Also known as a Freedge, the refrigerated pantry will be filled with surplus food from local restaurants, businesses and farms. It aims to combat food insecurity, reduce food waste and provide the community with access to free food.
At nearby Kendall Elementary, 70% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, according to Sustainable Connections.
The other two Freedges are behind The RE Store at 2309 Meridian St. in Bellingham and at the Upper Skagit Library in Concrete.
“The Freedge is a win for so many reasons,” said Brandi Hutton, assistant manager of Sustainable Connections’ Toward Zero Waste program. “It helps our community address climate change, bolsters food security and provides local businesses with an opportunity to reduce waste while accessing tax incentives.”
In Whatcom County, food waste accounts for nearly 30% of the solid waste stream, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions when decomposed in landfills, according to the release.
