City Councillor Barbara Murphy, Mayor Gary Christenson and City Councillors Craig Spadafora and Jadeane Sica recently unveiled Malden’s third Community Fridge which was freshly stocked with produce, bread, pizza and more! The fridge is located on the Bike Path across from the Malden Community Garden behind U-Haul Storage, 420 Eastern Avenue. U-Haul is the City’s first corporate sponsor for the Community Fridge Program – President of U-Haul Boston Jorge White generously offered to provide the electricity to the site. “In the decades that U-Haul has served Malden, I have observed a strong sense of community,” said White. “When the city approached us about the location of the fridge, we felt we were well positioned to do what neighbors do: help those in our community who need it most.” Also partnering in the effort were Malden Teen Enrichment Center students who painted and designed the fridge case and employees from Malden Public Facilities, the Department of Public Works and Inspectional Services who helped with installation. Thanking everyone involved in the initiative, Councillor Murphy said, “community fridges are so important as they help people connect to their community, access nutritious food, save money and reduce food waste. I am thrilled to have Ward 5 host the third fridge.”
The initiative is aimed at helping those in need as the region continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic. Other fridges in the City are located at Canal Street and Linden Municipal Lot. The idea for the program originated from City Councillors Craig Spadafora and Jadeane Sica as a way to combat food insecurity in Malden.
Residents may come by and either donate by adding items to the fridge, or to take what they need. Instructions are on the fridge to help residents interested in assisting. The City has partnered with produce business Katsiroubas Company to enable donations in an easy and safe way. Through their website www.katsiroubasproduce.com, residents may purchase a $25 produce box online and Katsiroubas Produce will deliver $50 worth of produce to the fridge.
Pictured (from left):
City Councillor-At-Large Craig Spadafora, Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica, President of U-Haul Boston Jorge White, Mayor Gary Christenson, Ward 5 Councillor Barbara Murphy, and U-Haul employees