We have partnered with Parkdale Food Centre and the Ottawa Community Food Program to install an outdoor fridge in Hintonburg.
For decades, Hintonburg Community Association has been tackling issues that directly affect our neighbourhood, such as security, safety, zoning, greenspace and urban intensification. COVID-19 has magnified the importance of social services and we must recognize increasing food insecurity within our community (Ottawa Public Health estimates nearly 14% of Ottawa households face food insecurity).
Outdoor community fridges have been popping up all over the country (Prince Edward Island, Montreal, Toronto, Regina, Calgary and Vancouver) as communities come together to support one another. From the HCA, the desire to start an outdoor community fridge came earlier this year when Parkdale Food Centre was closed and we wanted to find a way for our neighbours in need to access fresh food. What a great initiative for us to help our neighbours!
Parkdale Food Centre (PFC) has a long history of supporting our neighbours facing food insecurity. For many years, it has wanted to start an outdoor community fridge, however, there were some obstacles preventing this from happening.
Across the city, Ottawa Community Food Program (OCFP) has 7 fridges inside organizations. However, during the pandemic only one has been accessible.
We are proud to partner with PFC and OCFP, we are proud to donate Ottawa’s first outdoor community fridge, right here in Hintonburg. The outdoor fridge is barrier free and is open 24/7 at 30 Rosemount Ave.
Neighbours, please take what you need, leave what you can.
Do’s:
Canned food
Dairy
Fresh produce
Pantry items
Bread
Condiments and sauces
Packaged Beverages
Don’ts
Raw meat
Home-cooked meals
Leftovers
Opened packages
Moldy, rotting or expired food
Unlabeled meals
