Nov 19th, 2024
Media Advisory: Public Fridge in Centretown to Re-open Thanks to Community Support
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Nov. 20, 2024, OTTAWA, ON – A place where giving and receiving come full circle: the Public Foods Community Fridge and Pantry is ready to reopen its doors, continuing its mission to fight food insecurity in Centretown.
The pantry was built in 2022 by students from Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture after members of the Glebe-St. James United Church identified the need. It was also supported by the Centretown Community Health Centre and the Arlington 5 Café.
A fire damaged the pantry in May 2024. Since then, community volunteers and stakeholders, staff from Carleton University and local contractors Bassi Construction, PuroClean, Xpertek Construction, Imperial Electric, and others from the community have generously helped to keep food donations coming to the community and repair the damage to the structure.
How does it work?
The pantry is on the front lawn of OCH’s MacLaren Towers (415 MacLaren), but it serves residents from all over Centretown.
A cohort of 23 volunteers supported Ottawa Public Foods‘ work at the pantry. Some checked, cleaned, and restocked the shelves and fridge once or twice a day; others picked up donated food from grocery stores and bakeries. Supplies also come from donations to the Glebe – St. James United Church. Food is left in the pantry and available 24/7. The policy is take what you need, leave what you can.
On Nov. 20 from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. we will be celebrating the re-opening and thanking those who helped repair this important asset in Centretown.
Media are welcome to take photos and complete interviews with partners and residents at the celebration.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact:
Jennifer McIntosh
Communications Specialist, OCH
613-914-9953