Community Fridge Checklist
A plugged-in fridge and dry goods shelf where neighbors share fresh food 24/7.
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Phase 1: Setup
Build your team, find a location, and handle logistics.
Talk to neighbors and local orgs about the need — gauge community interest
Recruit 3-5 committed volunteers as your core team
Create a group chat (WhatsApp or Signal) for coordination
Find a host location: business, church, or community center with outdoor power
Get written permission from the property owner
Source a fridge: Craigslist Free, Buy Nothing groups, Facebook Marketplace, appliance stores
Test the fridge before hauling — bring an extension cord, verify it cools below 40°F
Source a shelving unit for dry goods (free bookshelf, wire rack, or repurposed furniture)
For cold climates: plan an insulated shelter (R-5 foam board + heat lamp)
Contact your local health department proactively — show good faith, ask for guidance
Get fiscal sponsorship through Freedge.org or a local nonprofit (enables tax-deductible donations)
Set up a social media page (Instagram is #1 for community fridges)
Prepare signage: rules, contact info, allergen labeling requirements, multilingual translations
Create a volunteer cleaning schedule (daily checks, weekly wipe-down)
freshfoodnetwork.orgYou can do this.
Community Fridge Checklist
A plugged-in fridge and dry goods shelf where neighbors share fresh food 24/7.
2
Page 2 of 3
Phase 2: Launch
Install the fridge, stock it, and get the word out.
Place the fridge at your host location and plug in — verify temperature (must be ≤40°F)
Set up dry goods shelving beside or near the fridge
If cold climate: build and install the insulated shelter around the fridge
Place a visible thermometer inside the fridge
Attach signage: "Take what you need, leave what you can" + rules + contact
Post cleaning schedule visibly (inspectors will look for this)
Stock with initial items: produce, canned goods, snacks, bread, hygiene products
Label all prepared food with: date, ingredients, and allergen declarations
Reach out to local restaurants about donating end-of-day surplus
Contact grocery store managers about their food donation programs
Share the Good Samaritan Act info with potential food donors (removes their fear)
Host a soft launch event — invite neighbors, take photos, post on social media
Register on Freedge.org, FridgeFinder app, and freshfoodnetwork.org
Post on Nextdoor and local Facebook groups to spread the word
freshfoodnetwork.orgYou can do this.
Community Fridge Checklist
A plugged-in fridge and dry goods shelf where neighbors share fresh food 24/7.
3
Page 3 of 3
Phase 3: Sustain
Keep it running, clean, and well-stocked for the long term.
Daily: check temperature, remove expired/spoiled items, wipe spills, sanitize handles
Weekly: full interior wipe-down with soapy water + sanitize all surfaces
Monthly: clean condenser coils (single most important maintenance task)
Quarterly: empty completely, deep clean all shelves, defrost if needed
Maintain a cleaning log — document what was done and when
Build and maintain relationships with 2-3 regular food donors (restaurants, bakeries, grocers)
Post what's needed on social media regularly ("The fridge could use produce!")
Rotate volunteers to prevent burnout — even 2-3 people checking a few times/week works
Hold monthly volunteer meetups to build community and recruit new help
Budget for electricity: $3-7/month if host covers, $20-29/month if you pay
Have a backup plan if the fridge breaks — know where to source a replacement quickly
Apply for micro-grants through Freedge.org to offset costs
Share impact stories (anonymously) on social media to keep community engaged
Re-evaluate signage every 6 months — update based on community feedback
freshfoodnetwork.orgYou can do this.