The Lake Country Community Fridge just got a boost to help keep food on its shelves.
At its meeting on July 8, Lake Country council voted to provide a $2,000 grant to support the 24/7 initiative, which offers free food to anyone in need and accepts donations from anyone who wants to help.
鈥淭his is a great program,鈥� said Coun. Bib Patel. 鈥淓veryone knows that.鈥�
Located on the Winfield United Church property (3751 Woodsdale Road), the fridge has been serving the community since October 2021. It鈥檚 entirely volunteer-run and relies on community donations, grants and monetary contributions to keep it running.
鈥淚t helps all those in need in our community,鈥� said Jackie Goode, Community Fridge founder. 鈥淚鈥檝e talked to seniors who said this is helping them get by. Other times it鈥檚 people who are close to payday鈥� others rely on it on an ongoing basis.鈥�
The funds, which come out of the $7,000 council set aside this year for grant-in-aid programs, will go toward food and essentials, as well as upkeep.
The fridge and pantry are designed to be a barrier-free option for those facing food insecurity, whether on a short-term or regular basis.
