A New Community Fridge in the Bronx
People served by S:US with disabilities officially opened the Fox Point Community Fridge with staff and executive leaders.
Click here to view all event photos and video.
On Friday, August 16, S:US held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of our fifth community fridge located at 1015 Fox Street in the Bronx. Building on the success of our community fridges, this expansion embodies our commitment to cultivating social justice and health equity in underserved neighborhoods.
After our Day Habilitation program staff and participants fully stocked the new fridge with fresh produce and pantry items, President and CEO Perry Perlmutter opened the ceremony with a powerful statement, “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.” Click here to read the press release.
Day habilitation participants stock the fridge with perishables and pantry items.
The inception of the Community Food Security programs marked a pivotal moment for S:US, prompting our team to establish community fridges strategically across New York City. With the city’s highest food insecurity rates residing in the Bronx (19.7%) and Brooklyn (15.5%), S:US continues to combat this issue through the installation of additional fridges. With the latest launch of the Fox Point community fridge, S:US now manages two locations in the Bronx and three locations in Brooklyn:
2894 Valentine Avenue (Bronx)
1015 Fox Street (Bronx)
1109 Bushwick Avenue (Brooklyn)
421 Chester Street (Brooklyn)
457 Saint Marks Avenue (Brooklyn)
In part with our existing locations, the Fox Point fridge will operate through the collective efforts with our Developmental Disabilities Services programs. The heart of our operations lies in our inclusive approach to fostering an opportunity to build community connections and provide a much-needed public service in support of our neighbors. The Fox Point fridge will be stocked by people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) who attend S:US’ Day Habilitation programs. Each week, day hab participants will maintain, stock, and clean the fridges for their neighbors to access. This hands-on involvement offers our participants a meaningful opportunity to engage with neighbors while honing valuable skills for future employment and independence.
Day Habilitation participants served by S:US.
This addition to our network was made possible thanks to the support of the Maria Grazia Panaro Foundation. We are grateful for their contribution to fund the maintenance and operations of the Fox Point fridge.
“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,” Anita Lembo, board member of the Maria Grazia Panaro Foundation.
Before the ceremony concluded, our community fridge received several visitors who grabbed necessary grocery items from our stock. It was extraordinary to witness the fridge’s immediate reception by the Fox Point community.
Community members take what they need.
Thanks to the dedication and efforts of our staff and day habilitation participants, S:US’ Community Food Security programs will continue to grow and support New Yorkers facing food insecurity.