Do you lack the space or staff to run a traditional food pantry?
The Palm Beach County Food Bank Open Fridge Initiative partners with organizations that lack the infrastructure to implement a traditional pantry by providing refrigerators and shelving to to high food-insecure communities. Underserved communities receive fresh produce, dry and frozen goods, and the tools needed to lead healthy lives.Â
HOW IT WORKS
All food items are provided free of charge to the participating agency. These items are then made available to the public, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.
- Refrigerators and pantries are installed in an accessible location within the agency
- Open to the public free of charge
Open Fridge Initiative: potential partner information
At no upfront cost to you, we will provide a large refrigerator and dry pantry storage (room permitting).
Based on availability, we will make deliveries of tems such as:
- Prepared meals
- Fresh produce
- Frozen items
- Dairy items
- Meat
- Dry goods
- Canned goods
- Bottled water and other drinks
We will restock, clean, and maintain the refrigerator and pantry.
- Be a designated 501©(3) and be able to provide an official copy of your determination letter with your application.
- Provide indoor space that is easily accessible by your residents/members that has access to electricity that you provide.
- Grant access to our delivery people and volunteers as needed during your normal hours. We will work with you to create a schedule.
- Honor your posted hours.
- Maintain a regular/monthly pest control system.
- Complete Food Safety TrainingÂ
- Adhere to the rules and guidelines of the Open Fridge program and sign the Open Fridge Handbook Acknowledgement Form.
*Must keep the area near the refrigerator/pantry accessible, clean and safe, and communicate any problems with us.Â
Email: info@pbcfoodbank.org
All the materials (refrigerator and shelves/cabinet) will be provided to you free of charge. All food provided for the duration of the partnership will be provided free of charge. You are responsible for paying any electrical charges incurred by the refrigerator.
We will repair or replace as appropriate.
If you are an organization with client restrictions (residential community, shelter. etc.), you are required to give access to your tenants/members only.Â
If you are an organization open to the public (library, public community center), you are required to give the public access to the refrigerator
