Community fridge initiative promotes food security through spirit of giving

AMMAN — In the spirit of giving during the holy month of Ramadan, Amman residents are dropping off food donations to community fridges, which are becoming hubs for accessible food. 

People are donating large quantities of food and, in most cases, the meals and beverages are all taken an hour or two before Iftar, according to the “Thalajet Al Khair” initiative co-founder, Aya Sirriyeh.

“Simply, the meals we get go as fast as possible, especially now in Ramadan,” Sirriyeh told The Jordan Times on Sunday.

“During the holy month, some families regularly provide meals of hope to many individuals who are in need of food to break their fast.” Sirriyeh added, pointing out that five individuals will donate 10 meals every day throughout Ramadan.

Community fridges provide a sense of privacy, and are a convenient daily food option, according to Muna Hamouri, a Jordanian who has installed three fridges in different locations in Amman.

Hamouri noted that the fridges are open and available for all who are food-insecure or in need of food.

To ensure the fridges remain clean, Hamouri said that she relies on the help of volunteers who restock the fridge, help keep it clean, organise food by expiration date and take on a variety of other responsibilities.

“Community fridges are becoming more common in Amman, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods,” she added.

Rana Basim, 22, donates meals “almost every day” during Ramadan. 

“Community fridges help create more sustainable food systems,” Basim told The Jordan Times, adding that community fridges are popping up in different locations, not only in Amman, but in other governorates as well, helping combat food insecurity across the Kingdom.