About the Kelowna Community Fridge
The Kelowna Community Fridge (KCF) first opened on April 24, 2021, on the unceded and traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan Peoples. After serving the community as a space for food sharing and mutual aid, the fridge ceased operations in 2023.
Now, a dedicated team of UBC Okanagan sustainability students is working to bring the Kelowna Community Fridge back to life!
The KCF is a community-led mutual aid initiative built on the belief that everyone deserves access to food, without barriers, judgment, or restrictions. Operating on a simple "take what you need, leave what you can" basis, the fridge aims to provide free, accessible food to anyone who needs it, while reducing food waste and strengthening community connections.
Our goal is to re-establish a publicly accessible fridge that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are currently working to secure a new location, build community partnerships, recruit volunteers, and establish the resources needed to ensure the project's long-term success.
How You Can Support Us
The KCF is a volunteer-driven initiative, relying on the generosity, time, and support of community members, local businesses, and organizations. As we work towards reopening, we need helping hands more than ever! Whether through volunteering, donating, sharing resources, or helping us secure a permanent location, there are many ways to get involved.
Financial contributions will help us cover the costs of rebuilding and maintaining the fridge, including equipment, supplies, repairs, and ongoing operations. All donations go directly towards supporting the Kelowna Community Fridge project. Together, we can create a welcoming, accessible space that supports food security, reduces waste, and encourages a stronger, more connected Kelowna.
Common Questions
What is a Community Fridge?
A community fridge is a publicly accessible refrigerator, sometimes accompanied by a freezer or pantry, where community members can freely share and access food.
Community fridges operate through mutual aid, providing barrier-free access to food without requiring proof of income, registration, or an explanation of need.
Beyond addressing food insecurity, community fridges aim to reduce food waste, challenge the stigma surrounding food assistance, and foster a sense of collective care and responsibility.
What is Mutual Aid?
Mutual aid is the practice of community members working together to meet shared needs through cooperation, solidarity, and collective support. Unlike traditional charity models, mutual aid emphasizes community participation rather than a hierarchy between those providing and receiving assistance. It recognizes that everyone has something to contribute and that anyone may need support at different points in their lives. Mutual aid aims not only to address immediate needs but also to build lasting relationships, strengthen community resilience, and challenge the systemic issues that create inequality.
Where Is the Kelowna Community Fridge Located?
We are currently searching for a new home for the Kelowna Community Fridge! Our priority is finding an outdoor, well-lit, accessible location in downtown Kelowna that will allow the fridge to operate 24/7. Do you know a business, organization, or property owner who might be interested in hosting the fridge? We'd love to hear from you!
How Can I Get Involved?
There are many ways to support the relaunch of the Kelowna Community Fridge! We are looking for volunteers, community partners, potential host locations, and individuals interested in contributing their skills or resources. Whether you have a few minutes per week to spare, connections within the community, or simply want to help spread the word, your support makes a difference.
Stay Connected
For more information, questions, or opportunities to get involved, please reach out!
Facebook: @KelownaCommunityFridge
Instagram: @kelowna.community.fridge
We are incredibly grateful for the community members who supported the original fridge and everyone helping us bring this initiative back to life.
In solidarity and community,
The Kelowna Community Fridge Team
