These Burnaby fridges could use some extra love

There are a few fridges in Burnaby that could use some extra love.

Community fridges, set up by the Burnaby Primary Care Network, rely on donations from the public and organizations to help keep their shelves stocked.

But Andrea Creamer, the PCN’s community engagement coordinator, told the Beacon the number of donations coming in—specifically to the fridge at 4750 Imperial St—have been impacted by several factors.

“Throughout the pandemic, the cost of things, the global supply and shipment has impacted [donations] and then the grocery stores have gotten smarter about what they’re ordering. So the amount that is being diverted from landfills, that organizations were previously having access to, has lessened a lot.”

In December 2021, Canada’s Food Price Report projected food prices would climb between five to seven per cent in 2022, which is the highest increase ever predicted by the report in its 12-year run. The report also estimated that a family of four would be spending almost $966 more on food compared to what they’d spend in 2021.

The pandemic has also taken a toll on food security in Burnaby. During a council meeting last February, city staff highlighted that the number of people accessing food banks in the city saw a nearly 50% increase since the start of the pandemic.

Creamer noted that the number of people needing to access the fridges or supports provided by the Burnaby Food Hubs—weekly community programs that provide residents with free food items—is not on a downward trend.

“The numbers have not decreased from folks that are accessing these services,” she said.

When it comes to the community fridges, she noted that the fridge at SFU has been “really successful” with a lot of donations, but the one on Imperial Street is “often empty.”

Luckily there are some supports in place to help keep the fridges stocked. Creamer said that folks working with the PCN have been contributing items as well as Refood, a local food rescue organization that delivers surplus food from grocery stores to food-insecure communities.

For community members who are able to donate, “grab-and-go” items, like yogurt, granola, bars, apples are good staples, said Creamer. Eggs, milk, and other fresh veggies and fruits are also popular and always in demand. Due to health regulations, home-cooked meals and leftovers are not permitted, but meals prepared in a commercial kitchen with labelled ingredients on the containers can be donated.

Aside from the Imperial Street and SFU fridge locations (which are available to use any time), there is also a community fridge located at Cariboo Road Christian Fellowship, which is open during church hours.

Creamer told the Beacon that the fourth community fridge will be coming soon to the Tian-jin temple at 2426 Smithe Ave. This fridge will be accompanied by a free pantry and a free little library as well.

Learn more about Burnaby’s community fridges, how to access them, and how to donate, here.

With files from Srushti Gangdev.