Freedge to get donations thanks to partnership

Free fruits, vegetables and sandwiches will be more available at the Freedge outside of the Lorain Public Library System South Lorain Branch thanks to the library’s partnership with Hunger Network Food Rescue and its relationship with GetGo Café + Market, according to a news release.

Hunger Network Food Rescue is a food recovery program focused on reducing food waste and feeding those facing food insecurity.

Leveraging the peoplepowered app developed by Food Rescue Hero, Hunger Network Food Rescue redirects edible surplus food from donor partners like GetGo Cafe, which would otherwise be destined for the waste stream, to organizations serving and supporting those facing food insecurity, according to the release.

In just a few months, GetGo provided over 450 pounds of food to community members in need in Lorain County, according to the release.

Hunger Network Food Rescue, established in 2018, with their corps of over 450 volunteers, has recovered and redirected over four million pounds of food in the Greater Cleveland area, according to the news release.

The Lorain Public Library System, El Centro de Servicios Sociales Inc. and Lorain County Public Health partnered to have the Freedge installed in 2022.

It is located in a glassfronted shingled structure just outside the South Lorain Branch at 2121 Homewood Drive.

Freedges are part of a global movement to place refrigerators in communities where families are struggling to provide food for their families.

Community members wishing to donate can bring prepackaged, store-bought food items to either the South Lorain Branch or to the El Centro offices, 2800 Pearl Ave. in South Lorain, during regular business hours.

Donors are asked to not leave items at the Freedge as it is intended as a pickup location only.

SUBMITTED PHOTO This Freedge is located in a new glass-fronted shingled structure just outside the South Lorain Branch of the Lorain Public Library System at 2121Homewood Drive.