New Rockaway Beach community fridge has support of neighbors

A new community fridge is located on Beach 92nd Street. Photo courtesy of Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato

By David Brand

A new community fridge in Rockaway Beach marks a fresh chapter in residents’ efforts to support neighbors in need during the COVID pandemic.

The refrigerator was stocked Monday with food donated by Rippers, the famous beachfront burger joint. Anyone could pick up the food for free, no questions asked.

The appliance is located on Beach 92nd Street, not far from the site of another community fridge that fueled backlash among some local residents before it was removed and placed on a shoreline jetty.

The new fridge was provided by the organization In Our Hearts and placed outside the home of Becky Glennon, who sought the support of her neighbors.

“Community fridges are by the community, for the community. Take what you need, leave what you don’t,” wrote Rockaway Beach resident Katharine Lorraine on the Rockaway Mutual Aid Facebook page.

Mutual aid groups around the city have established community fridges to provide something to eat for individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 economic crisis.

Lorraine said neighbors have agreed to keep the fridge clean and the area trash free. The food will be available 24 hours a day.

Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato shared photos of the fridge and said the initiative was “welcomed by the entire block.”