Sustainable Connections and Whatcom County Library System are thrilled to announce the opening of the Freedge at the North Fork Library in Kendall. This innovative initiative aims to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste in Whatcom County, providing residents with access to free, nutritious food.
The Freedge, a community refrigerator filled with surplus food from local businesses and farms, will serve as a vital resource for residents of Kendall and the surrounding area. Instead of being sent to landfills, excess food from restaurants and other businesses will now be available to those in need, promoting both sustainability and community well-being. The North Fork Library, chosen for its accessibility and community presence, will be the perfect home for this project. The Freedge is open during library hours, Tuesday-Saturday.
“The Freedge is a win for so many reasons,” says 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 percent of the solid waste stream, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions when decomposed in landfills. By providing a space for sharing surplus food, the Freedge alleviates both environmental and social challenges in the region.
Recent data highlights the pressing need for such initiatives in the area. At nearby Kendall Elementary, 70 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, indicating a high level of food insecurity. The Freedge will help address this need, following the successful model established by other Freedges in the region, one near the ReStore in Bellingham, and one at the Upper Skagit Library in Concrete.
The Freedge project is a collaborative effort, stemming from the 2019 Foothills Food Action Plan developed by the Foothills Community Food Partnership. Local organizations, including Whatcom County Health and Community Services and Washington State University Extension SNAP-Ed, are key partners in this initiative, working together to coordinate food donations and monitor the Freedge’s use.
Library staff will oversee the Freedge, which will be restocked multiple times a week by volunteers from Sustainable Connections. The program aims to create a supportive environment for those facing food insecurity, while also promoting sustainable practices within the community.
“We’re eager to hear feedback from Foothills residents and to see the positive impact this service will have,” says Christine Perkins, Executive Director of the Whatcom County Library System.
For more information about the Freedge, including details on how to volunteer or donate food, visit sustainableconnections.org/freedge or the North Fork Library.