Community Fridge in Near Southside Offers Produce, Other Goods to Families in Need

Kendra Richardson was like the rest of us, spending countless hours scrolling on social media during quarantine — when she came across a community fridge and was instantly inspired to do the same.  

“People can give what they can, and take what they need,” Richardson says. “It’s a 24/7 refrigerator that sits inside of the host location, and people can bring fresh produce, canned goods, water.”

While the idea was born from social media, Richardson was also motivated by the struggles she saw many face during the pandemic and figured there wasn’t a better time to fight food insecurity than now.

“I sat with myself and asked, 'What could be done?' There’s got to be a way to help people and make real systemic change while breaking down these barriers," she says. 

The project came together rather quickly. Richardson got the fridge from a friend who was about to throw it away and began posting about the project on Instagram — a post that eventually caught the eye of Deryk Poynor, owner of floral shop The Greenhouse 817.

Poynor fell in love with the idea and offered to help in any way she could.

“We met in person and really hit it off," Poyner says. "[Richardson] handled a lot of the logistics when I wasn’t able to; she’s literally perfect.” 

On Sept. 26, Richardson and The Greenhouse 817 hosted a block party to launch Funky Town Fridge at 3144 Bryan Ave., and since then, the community has already responded in positive ways.

“So many people want to help and pitch in,” Richardson says. “My phone is blowing up from people telling me how inspired they are and how much they appreciate our work. I’m just a girl with a fridge.”

Soon to be a girl with many fridges, Richardson is planning to expand her efforts in all parts of Fort Worth. 

“As soon as I have more hosts, I hope to put fridges in the Poly area, Northside, but I really want to start with Lancaster,” Richardson says. “And, of course, have block parties for every opening.”

In these block parties, neighborhoods can expect to see live entertainment, guest speakers, and, of course, food. 

“I hope people can become more educated about the matter and find ways to create real change just as I have," Richardson says.

Richardson continues to seek food, monetary donations, volunteers, caterers, and hosts to help feed Fort Worth. For more information on how to help, visit Funky Town Fridge's website.