Our Story: A Fridge of Hope
In August 2023, Brooklyn College faced an unexpected challenge when our cafeteria vendor exited their contract, leaving us without a central hub for meals. This sudden gap in accessible and nutritious food options sparked a pressing need for an alternative solution. Though temporary food truck vendors stepped in, they struggled to meet our diverse dietary needs and proved to be a costly option for many students. Driven by the desire to address this pressing issue, Brooklyn College’s Public Health and Medicine Club embarked on a mission to combat food insecurity within our campus community. With the closure of our cafeteria, we recognized the urgency of establishing a sustainable and supportive food system. Our vision took shape with the launch of community fridges at Brooklyn College—a beacon of nourishment and accessibility during these challenging times.
Our initiative is more than just providing food; it’s about fostering community resilience and ensuring that every student has access to healthy meals. This effort is not only about filling bellies but also about supporting our students’ well-being and academic success.
A Snapshot of Food Insecurity at Brooklyn College
Recent data from the Brooklyn College Cares: Student Experience Survey (Fall 2020) highlights the gravity of our situation:
50% of students are in distress and require immediate financial assistance.
33% of students reported experiencing hunger.
Our Mission
The PHaM club believes that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right for all students. Our mission is to address food insecurity on campus by providing sustainable and accessible meal options to students in need. Through the establishment of community fridges, we aim to foster a supportive environment where no student has to choose between their education and their next meal.
We are committed to:
- Fighting Food Insecurity: Ensuring that every student has access to free, healthy meals through our community fridges.
- Empowering Our Community: Building a campus culture of care, where students support one another and work together to overcome challenges.
- Sustainability and Inclusivity: Creating a food system that prioritizes health, equity, and environmental consciousness.
The NourishBC Community Fridge
The NourishBC Community Fridge, located just outside the Health and Nutrition Science Department Food Lab (Ingersoll 5129), is stocked with nutritious, pre-prepared meals made by PHaM club members, using ingredients donated by the campus food pantry, the BC Eats Garden, and contributions from the Foods of Diverse Populations Lab. We also receive leftover food donations from on-campus events.
This fridge is a resource for all students, staff, and faculty, offering a convenient meal option for anyone in need. There are tables and chairs nearby for those who wish to enjoy their meals on-site. By reducing food waste through the use of leftover and donated food, the NourishBC Community Fridge promotes sustainability and supports our campus community.
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help prepare food, pick up donations, and manage the fridge. Your support can make a significant difference in ensuring that the NourishBC Community Fridge continues to serve our campus effectively.
If you are interested in volunteering or partnering with us, please reach out to get involved and contribute to our mission of reducing food insecurity on campus.
Contact us
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in volunteering, partnering with us for food donations, or have any questions about the NourishBC Community Fridge, please get in touch.
Email: bcphamclub@gmail.com
Location: Health and Nutrition Science’s Food Lab, Ingersoll 5129, Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210
NourishBC Community Fridge 