Ridgewood justice organization provides food and info for the community
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Woodbine’s new community refrigerator. Photo via Woodbine/Facebook
By David Brand
A Ridgewood-based social justice organization has established a free, 24/7 community refrigerator and pantry at its Woodbine Street headquarters to support neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Woodbine, an organization located just south of Rosemary’s Playground, opened RIdgewood’s third community fridge to support residents experiencing food insecurity amid the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two others sites are located along the Seneca Avenue commercial corridor.
"Because of the pandemic people are becoming much more aware of their local community, their own neighborhood and block. We're understanding just how much food insecurity there is right now,” said organizer Emma BB Doyle.
“The free fridge belongs to the community. Food is something that is usually locked up and behind money, but now it's outdoors and free.”
Doyle said some people have already contributed homemade soups and other items. She invited community members to donate their extra food as well.
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have worsened food insecurity among Queens’ low-income and middle-income residents, including families already feeling the financial squeeze in Ridgewood. Development, gentrification and rising rents have displaced or strained many long-term residents of the neighborhood along the Brooklyn border.
At least 138 residents of Ridgewood zip code 11358 have died of the illness, while 2,423 people have tested positive, according to city data.
The food program is Woodbine’s latest initiative to promote equity and community in the Ridgewood area.
Woodbine publishes a newsletter in English and Spanish to share Know Your Rights information, a neighborhood guide, protest advice and interviews with local residents. The organization hosts mask sewing workshops and has conducted a survey of vacant storefronts.
Woodbine also partners with Rock Steady Farm in Millerton, NY to host a Community-Supported Agriculture program.
