The Rotary Club of Marlborough creates Community “Friend Fridge”
The Rotary Club of Marlborough Creates Community “Friend Fridge” to Serve Food-Insecure Residents
100% Solar-Powered Refrigerator One of the First of its Kind on East Coast.
May 10, 2024: On Sunday, May 19 at 12:15pm, Marlborough residents and members of the Rotary Club of Marlborough will come together to celebrate the unveiling of a new community initiative: the “Friend Fridge”, a solar-powered, central refrigerator that will provide donated items to individuals and families in the city.
In an effort to alleviate hunger and provide relief to local individuals and families facing food insecurity, the Rotary Club of Marlborough, the Brigham Family Trust, and Marlborough Makers, along with Girl Scout and AMSA student Katelyn Massey, collaborated to make this concept a reality. This program is also supported in part by a grant from the Marlborough Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Located in front of the Immaculate Conception Church, the Friend Fridge will be primarily operated by community and Rotary members. It will run entirely on solar power, ensuring self-sufficiency – one of the first of its kind in the country. Maintenance check-ups on the solar equipment and fridge clean-ups will be coordinated weekly along with donations from local businesses.
“The idea of the Friend Fridge was inspired by other communities that had successfully implemented this concept to help alleviate food shortages,” said Katelyn Massey. “Through extensive research and careful consideration, this was identified as the ideal solution to reduce food insecurity in Marlborough by fostering community collaboration. I take pride in this being my Gold Award project, and I’m even more proud to be involved in it. Thanks to everyone for their support in making this available to residents who need it.”
Food insecurity is nearing levels close to those seen during the COVID pandemic. According to Project Bread, “Approximately 18.8% of all households in MA reported food insecurity in September 2023.” While there are established food support services in Marlborough, long lines and item scarcity are constant challenges.
“Food banks and pantries are overwhelmed, costs are still soaring,” said Mark Vital, Marlborough Rotarian. “We have an opportunity to help our neighbors in a meaningful way. This is what community is all about; we help when and how we can, and hope to lift each other up when times are hard.”
Residents interested in learning more about food donations and other ways to get involved with the Friend Fridge can check out this Facebook page or this Instagram profile.
The address for the ribbon cutting is:
Immaculate Conception Church (adjacent side of the building)
11 Prospect St, Marlborough MA 01752
#
Join us and help work to solve issues in the community, region and world. Below are some of our projects.
Local Projects
Annual Scholarships to Graduating Seniors (Marlborough High School, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Advanced Math and Science Academy)
Annual Reality Fair – Financial Literacy for Students (Marlborough High School and in the past with Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School) New this year to Advanced Math and Science Academy and New England Innovation Academy.
Marlborough Public Schools Business Professionals of America School to Career Program and Assabet Valley Regional Technical School Volunteer Assistance as Project Judges