S:US Celebrates Opening of Newest Community Fridge in the Bronx
People served by S:US with intellectual/developmental disabilities officially opened the Fox Point Community Fridge with staff and executive leaders Perry Perlmutter, Monica Santos, and Stacey Weston.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 16, 2024
CONTACT:
Matt Costantini, [email protected]
Located in the Fox Point Neighborhood of the Bronx, this community fridge will play a crucial role in ensuring families have healthy, nutritious food available to them
Photos can be found HERE.
Bronx, New York – Services for the UnderServed (S:US) today celebrated the grand opening of their newest community fridge in the Fox Point neighborhood of the Bronx. Launched in 2022, S:US’ Community Fridge program offers free food and non-perishable items to members of the community who are experiencing food insecurity. The opening of the Fox Point fridge marks the fifth fridge operated by S:US and their second in the Bronx. The Fox Point community fridge was funded in large part thanks to the generosity of the Maria Grazia Panaro Foundation.
“This community fridge in Fox Point is a reflection of our mission at Services for the UnderServed—to meet people where they are and provide resources that make a real difference in their lives,” said Perry Perlmutter, President & CEO, Services for the UnderServed. “We are committed to supporting the Bronx community by ensuring that everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food. This fridge is more than just a place to pick up groceries, it’s a symbol of our ongoing dedication to fostering health, dignity, and hope for all.”
The S:US Community Fridge program was started by the organization’s Developmental Disabilities Services division with the support of their Urban Farms program. It was created in response to an increased need for food assistance among families of people supported by S:US during the COVID-19 pandemic. The community fridges are operated by adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities who attend S:US adult day programs or live in S:US residences. The creation of the community fridges was sparked by the idea of mutual aid and the belief that people with intellectual/developmental disabilities can support activities to help their larger community while developing transferable skills to support pre-employment skills.
People served by S:US with intellectual/developmental disabilities and staff.
“The Maria Grazia Panaro Foundation is proud to support Services for the UnderServed’s new community fridge in the Fox Point neighborhood of the Bronx,” said Anita Lembo, board member of the Maria Grazia Panaro Foundation. “Our goal is to empower individuals by providing essential resources to those who need them most. This project provides not just access to food, but also dignity and hope within the Bronx community.”
According to the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy annual 2022 Food Metrics Annual Report, the rate of food insecurity in New York City is higher than any other part of the state at 14.6%. The highest rates in the city are located within the Bronx (19.7%) and Brooklyn (15.5%), where S:US operates three additional community fridges. Through internal research, Services for the UnderServed found that food insecurity impacts the communities they serve in greater proportion, especially those communities of color, those experiencing behavioral health challenges and people with disabilities.
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About Services for the UnderServed
S:US envisions a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy, productive, and can enjoy the social connections that create a life of purpose. S:US has a staff of 1,800 that provides $273 million in services. Their efforts are supported by various local, state, and federal government entities, foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Most importantly, S:US’ vision allows the organization to deliver the same quality of services to one individual or to thousands.