Chicago Mutual Aid Efforts Provide Support for Food Insecure Communities
While COVID-19 vaccines are well within reach, this pandemic has taken a toll on our communities, especially here in Chicago. But the community response has also grown to meet the existing and additional needs that emerged from the pandemic. If you are able, here at 606 Movers, we recommend supporting the Love Fridge. Accessible 24/7, this initiative seeks to feed vulnerable communities through mutual aid and food donations. Above all, it bolsters the idea that access to food is not a privilege but a right. Easily recognizable by their bright colored refrigerators, typically decorated by local artists, the Love Fridge creates a stigma-free alternative for those facing food insecurity. This last year has been extremely tough for everyone but no one should have to go hungry. Similar initiates are taking root throughout the country so we definitely recommend finding other programs wherever you live.
For those interested and able, here are food donation options that are always welcome and needed as well as protocols during COVID-19, as stated on the Love Fridge website;
Best Products to Donate
Sealed packaged foods
Cheeses
Fresh fruit
Fresh vegetables
Table sauces
Pastry
Bread
Unopened pasteurized milk and yogurt
Unopened fruit juices
Fresh eggs (with a use-by date)
Cured meats (in a sealed container with a use-by date)
Products Not Recommended
Raw meat
Raw fish
Alcohol
Raw milk cheeses
Unlabelled multi-ingredient items
Half-eaten leftovers
Etiquette
Please wear a mask and ensure that your hands are clean if you intend on accessing the fridge.
Avoid unnecessary contact with food items to prevent contamination.
If you notice food has gone bad or packaging has been compromised, please throw it away.
Check use-by dates on food products. Discard out-of-date food and do not consume prepared food after seven days.
Please put new donations towards the back of the shelves so that food gets eaten in the order it is donated.
Please do not donate anything that you would not personally consume.
If you noticed or cause a spill, please clean up after yourself whenever possible.
If you notice that the fridge needs cleaning, maintenance, or is above 41°F, please get in touch via email at thelovefridgechicago@gmail.com.
Guidelines
Please review our list of accepted and not accepted foods.
Any food in packages or containers must be in good condition and protect the integrity of the contents so that the food is not exposed to adulteration or potential contaminants.
Prepare food with mask & gloves and follow standardized food safety guidelines.
Prepared food should be labeled with all ingredients and dated from the day of preparation. Prepared food will be discarded after seven days.
Locations Throughout the City
Avondale
Honey Love
24/7 ACCESS
3361 N Elston Ave
Located behind Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Back of the Yards
Star Farm
24/7 ACCESS
5155 S Wolcott Ave
Port Ministries
24/7 ACCESS
5017 S Hermitage Ave
Belmont Cragin
Bidi Bidi Nom Nom at Hangry’s
24/7 ACCESS
5000 W Fullerton Ave
Bridgeport
The Fridge on Marz
24/7 ACCESS
3630 S Iron St
Brighton Park
Oasis de Yum at La Roca
24/7 ACCESS
2959 W Pershing Rd
Bronzeville
Sacred Keepers
Thursday & Friday 12 — 4
4445 S King Dr
East Side
The Kindness Korner
24/7 ACCESS
11201 S Ave G
Englewood
Getting Grown Collective
24/7 ACCESS
6344 S Morgan St
Grand Boulevard
Behind Last Lap Corner Store at Boxville
24/7 ACCESS
332 E 51st St
Humboldt Park
Dirt Farms
24/7 ACCESS
3419 North Ave
Alley behind Humboldt’s Used Books
Little Village
Moreno’s
24/7 ACCESS
3724 W 26th St
The Love Shack
24/7 ACCESS
2751 W 21st St
Logan Square
The Dill’s Chiller
At the Dill Pickle Food Co-op
8am–9pm or during store hours (subject to change for holidays or as necessary)
2746 N Milwaukee Ave
Toda Amor
Carniceria La Mejor
24/7 ACCESS
2915 N Milwaukee Ave
North Lawndale
Stone Temple Fridge
24/7 ACCESS
3622 W Douglas Blvd
Palmer Square
Blnk [Food] Bank
24/7 ACCESS
3206 W Armitage Ave
Pilsen
Comida Para el Pueblo
24/7 ACCESS
1855 S Blue Island Ave
South Shore
24/7 ACCESS
2465 E 74th St
Ukrainian Village
True Love Fridge at Takorea Cocina
Tuesday–Sunday 11am — 9pm
1022 N Western Ave
West Lawn
El Refri de la Vida
Monday — Friday 7AM — 2PM
and 5PM — 8PM
Saturday 8AM — 12PM
Sunday 9AM — 12PM
4215 W 59th St
Good Neighbor Love Fridge
24/7 ACCESS
6601 S Pulaski Rd