By Joy Bergmann

Take something; leave something. No money required. That’s the business model of the Ujamaa Community Fridge and Free Store at 830 Columbus Avenue [101st Street], located a few steps into the courtyard of Frederick Douglass Houses. 

This colorful kiosk of kindness invites locals to share nutritious food and gently used clothing – fighting hunger and waste while promoting a can-do spirit of mutual aid. 

The all-volunteer project began in 2020 when Covid-related cuts in summer youth employment programs spurred the South Bronx nonprofit 1 Freedom for All to develop its own initiative, says Hector Gerardo, its executive director.   

“We train youth to learn about food systems and to mobilize, taking action to address food insecurity in their communities,” says Gerardo. 

One participating student that summer was Nia Franklin, a Douglass resident who had noticed the growing “friendly fridges” movement across NYC, recalled Gerardo. For her action plan, she decided to establish the Ujamaa free fridge, naming it after the Kwanzaa principle of “cooperative economics.”

Volunteers stocked the fridge with donated food from businesses, churches and other organizations. Local artists added inspiring imagery. The Douglass Houses Tenants’ Association supplied the electricity and helped ensure everything remained clean and well-maintained. 

The response was so positive, the team decided to expand. 

A few weeks ago, in partnership with The Free Store Project, volunteers built an apparel “free store” around the fridge. Anyone may donate clean clothes in good condition and take what they need.

Gerardo has no illusions about the site being a panacea for privation. But he does believe such efforts can spark interest in pursuing more holistic, enduring solutions like community gardens. 

“We see the fridges and the free stores as a band-aid. But when you gather people around food, it opens the door to the larger conversation around better, more sustainable ways to be feeding people,” says Gerardo. “What we ultimately want is for people to create their own sustainable farms. We have to be equipped to start feeding ourselves and our communities.”  

Area leaders say the spot – open 24/7/365 – has provided an encouraging hub during these challenging pandemic times. 

“The west side has really come together over that fridge,” says Carmen Quiñones, president of the Douglass Tenants’ Association. “It’s been a blessing.” 

People interested in getting involved should follow Ujamaa’s Instagram page and/or email: ujamaacommunityfridge@gmail.com for more information. The project also has a GoFundMe to collect funds for cleaning supplies, building materials and other needs, including a replacement fridge that was recently installed.