Episode Transcript
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[00:00:55] Speaker B: Welcome to the deep dive.
So you might have seen them around Memphis, these refrigerators, often brightly decorated, popping up in different neighborhoods.
[00:01:04] Speaker C: Yeah, they definitely stand out.
[00:01:05] Speaker B: Well, today we're going to dive into what they're all about, the 901 community fridges. We're looking at info from the Memphis community Fridge network itself, right. And our goal really is to understand how this whole thing works, this sort of grassroots effort, and maybe more importantly, how you can get involved. And especially through their main online space, the 901 community fridges Facebook group.
[00:01:30] Speaker C: It's pretty amazing, isn't it? Such a straightforward idea, you know, put food where people can easily get it. And it's become this, well, this really effective way to help tackle food insecurity right here. That 901 community fridges group and the fridges themselves, they're really making it happen.
[00:01:46] Speaker B: Totally. And the mission is like super clear, Fight food insecurity in Memphis. Set up these fridges, these pantries too, in areas where, well, where the need is greatest. And that Facebook group, 901 Community Fridges. It's not just, you know, a page to scroll through. It really feels like the command center.
[00:02:03] Speaker C: It really is. It's where people talk about dropping off food, where you get updates from organizers.
[00:02:07] Speaker B: Yeah. And see specific needs. Right. Like, hey, this fridge needs more milk or whatever.
[00:02:11] Speaker C: Precisely. It connects everyone in, in real time. You can see how maybe your donation is making a difference almost immediately.
And you stay looped in on how best to help out at each spot. It really empowers the community itself.
[00:02:28] Speaker B: And location wise, they're not tucked away. They're meant to be visible, accessible. Right now, we know of five main Ones.
[00:02:35] Speaker C: That's right. Five key spots.
[00:02:37] Speaker B: Okay, so there's Hope Fellowship Church, that's on Mullin Station Road. Then First Congressional Church on South Cooper.
[00:02:42] Speaker C: Got it.
[00:02:43] Speaker B: The Memphis Church out on Cordova Club Drive, East Holy Trinity Community Church on South Highland, and Binghamton Community Church on Tillman Street.
[00:02:53] Speaker C: So spread out pretty well.
[00:02:55] Speaker B: Yeah. And easy to find. Available whenever.
[00:02:57] Speaker C: And that whenever part is huge. Yeah. 2047 access. No need to make an appointment, you don't need to show id, no paperwork. It just cuts through so much red tape. It offers, you know, a direct way for people to get food support with dignity. It really lives up to that whole take what you need, give what you can idea.
[00:03:15] Speaker B: So true. Okay, so let's say you can give. What kind of things are they looking for? What can people donate?
[00:03:21] Speaker C: Well, the guidelines are pretty practical and you'll often see reminders in the Facebook group.
[00:03:25] Speaker B: Good point.
[00:03:25] Speaker C: Things like ready made meals are fantastic. Dairy, fresh fruits, vegetables always needed. Bottled drinks, dry goods like pasta or rice. Canned foods, obviously.
[00:03:36] Speaker B: What about things like baby food?
[00:03:38] Speaker C: Yep. Baby formula and food. Absolutely. Even pet food for furry family members.
And then non food items too, like hygiene products, toiletries, diapers, things that don't need the fridge space.
[00:03:50] Speaker B: Okay, good to know. Are there any like, rules or best practices for donating?
[00:03:56] Speaker C: Yeah, just a few key things. Really straightforward. If something doesn't have an expiration date, like maybe some fresh produce, just write the date you dropped it off. And this one's important. If you're donating homemade food, you absolutely need to label it, list the ingredients, and definitely any common allergens for safety.
[00:04:13] Speaker B: Makes sense. And things not to donate.
[00:04:15] Speaker C: Right. Definitely. No raw meat, no alcohol, and please check dates, no expired food.
[00:04:22] Speaker B: Gotcha.
[00:04:22] Speaker C: Also, try not to overfill the fridges, especially with perishable stuff. If it looks full, maybe hold on to your donation for a bit or check another location and just, you know, try to leave it tidy.
[00:04:33] Speaker B: Yeah. Keep it organized for the next person. And if someone sees a problem, like something's wrong with the fridge.
[00:04:39] Speaker C: Good question.
The best way is to email them. It's901-community fridgesmail.com or just send a direct message through that main Facebook group. That tends to be quickest.
[00:04:49] Speaker B: Okay.
[00:04:49] Speaker C: And it's worth remembering this whole amazing network runs on volunteers.
[00:04:54] Speaker B: Right? Just people in the community.
[00:04:56] Speaker C: Exactly. There isn't someone standing there monitoring the fridge 24 7. It really relies on community trust and everyone doing their part. Oh, and like you said about the Facebook group, it's also a great place to Find links to other food resources in Memphis beyond just the fridges.
[00:05:11] Speaker B: Definitely. So wrapping things up. If this sounds like something you want to support, there are a few clear ways to engage with 901 community fridges.
First, if you or someone you know needs food, please use the fridges. That's what they're there for.
[00:05:25] Speaker C: Absolutely.
[00:05:26] Speaker B: Second, if you're able to donate items, please do just follow those guidelines we talked about.
[00:05:30] Speaker C: Yeah, donate mindfully.
[00:05:32] Speaker B: And third, maybe the easiest way to stay connected and know the current needs.
Join the 901 Community Fridges Facebook group. Seriously, it seems like the hub for everything. Updates, coordinating, seeing the impact.
[00:05:44] Speaker C: It really is. It's just a powerful example of direct community action, meeting real needs, building that support network, neighbor helping neighbor.
[00:05:53] Speaker B: Yeah, it really makes you think, doesn't it? You know, seeing how simple and effective this fridge model is, what other everyday places in our neighborhoods could we maybe sort of reimagine to create that same kind of direct support?
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