Hope Fridge reopens in Oshkosh

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WISS) – After a long hiatus, the Hope Fridge returns to Oshkosh.

A coalition of nonprofit organizations, churches, Winnebago County Public Health, and many dedicated volunteers came together to fill the gaps for those facing food insecurity in the area. The Hope Fridge in Oshkosh is now open, outside Trinity Episcopal Church at 203 Algoma Blvd in Oshkosh.

Community members who recognized the need for low-barrier access to food and other necessities in the community started the Hope Fridge as a mutual aid service to address food insecurity. It operates on a simple principle: “take what you need, leave what you can.” This public fridge, freezer, and pantry offer a safe and easily accessible space where anyone can access food, anytime.

Community comes together

People of Progression in Menasha hosts a Hope Fridge behind its office space. Shavone Brown, a support services advocate for the organization spoke at the ribbon cutting for the Hope Fridge in Oshkosh.

“By working together, we can make sure that no one in Oshkosh has to worry about where their next meal will come from. What makes this especially powerful is the impact of collaboration,” Brown said.

Father Chris Corbin, Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church said hosting the Hope Fridge is part of the church’s mission. “We are very committed to being with those who are on the margins of society. That is something that is part of our identity. And so all of that is to say that we believe profoundly in grace. And so any way that we can live into and extend that grace to others is really important for us,” Corbin Said.

Ria Di Peeples is one of the long-time volunteers with Hope Fridge in Menasha.

“Reopening up a Hope Fridge in Oshkosh means that we’re going to have expanded access to fresh food and opportunities for community members to share resources throughout the Fox Valley,” Di Peeples said.

Stakeholders in Hope Fridge

Support for the Hope Fridge is coming from more than just non-profits and community volunteers. Danielle Florence, Winnebago County Public Health Community Health Strategist, said the Public Health Department has a stake in its success.

“Basic needs is something that came up in our community health assessment, and it is now in our community health improvement plan,” Florence said. “So this is a priority for us out in the community to ensure that our community has their basic needs met, and food insecurity is only rising in our community. So this is just a small way, a grassroots effort way to kind of address some of those basic needs issues that we’re seeing in our community.”

Oshkosh City Manager, Rebecca Grill, also spoke at the ribbon cutting. “Too often, we speak about somebody, somebody needs to do something,” Grill said. “All of you are the somebodies for the city. For those people that need just some help, you’re helping to preserve their dignity, their self-respect, and just help fill the gap for the community.”

How to help the Hope Fridge

Corbin said the Hope Fridge, while supported by organizations and volunteers, will need the help of the community.

“We really do want this to be an entirely community-owned project. We know that there are actually several organizations that are lined up to put food in the fridge too,” said Corbin. “We’ve heard of groups who are sort of making sandwich-making parties, things like that to make sure that this fridge is constantly stocked. But, we can always stand to have more people stop by and drop off food.”

Anyone can donate food and other items to the Hope Fridge in Oshkosh.

Accepted items include:

• Fresh produce such as bananas, oranges, apples, and vegetables
• Ready-to-eat or grab-and-go meals and snacks
• Pastries, baked goods, and bread
• Cheeses, yogurt, pasteurized eggs, and pasteurized milk
• Cured sandwich meats, Lunchables, fruit snacks, and granola bars
• Frozen dinners
• Fruit juices, water, and sports drinks
• Cooking oils (no glass containers)
• Homemade meals (must follow safe preparation guidelines, include ingredient labels, and date made)
• Prepared meals from commercial kitchens (must include ingredient labels and date made)

Volunteers from the community, as well as representatives from Trinity Episcopal Church, First Congregational Church, Solutions Recovery, Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Algoma Blvd United Methodist Church, and other organizations, fill and maintain the Hope Fridge in Oshkosh. 

To get involved or volunteer to keep this initiative strong, please contact HopeFridgeOshkosh@gmail.com. Make a financial contribution by sending a check to Algoma Blvd United Methodist Church, c/o Hope Fridge. Funds will be used to restock the fridge when supplies run low, replace items as needed, and perform fridge maintenance.