Food is a human right.
Opening soon, the Gainesville Community Fridge will be a 24/7, free-access refrigerator where neighbors can take what they need and leave what they can. We were going to be outside the Civic Media Center, but the City of Gainesville requested we move the fridge. We’ll share details via our newsletter as things progress.
We Need Your Help!
We have a $1,167 grant from the Gainesville Community Reinvestment area to get started, but that won’t cover the initial costs of the electricity, food purchase, and refridgerator. Please consider donating either (1) food and/or (2) money.
Email info@floridainnovation.org to learn more.
However, we don’t just need the money. To make this fridge project work, we need your PASSION. Sign the plege below to commit to visiting the fridge (after we launch) around once a week to clean the fridge, make sure there’s not spoiled food, and make sure it’s well-stocked.
Want to tell the community about your support for the Gainesville Community Fridge, and invite them to join the fight? Use our graphics kit (download below) to annouce on social media and other places that you’re a Fridge Warrior!
What Is the Gainesville Community Fridge?
- A 24/7 free-access refrigerator available to anyone in Gainesville.
- Hosted outside somwhere in Gainesville.
- Stocked with produce, pantry items, and essentials donated by neighbors, farms, and businesses.
- Designed to reduce food insecurity and food waste through mutual aid.
There are no forms, no requirements, and no barriers. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Why It Matters
- Food insecurity: Many Gainesville households do not have consistent access to nutritious food.
- Food waste: Large volumes of edible food are discarded every day.
- Community support: Fridges strengthen local networks and provide immediate, stigma-free assistance.
The Gainesville Community Fridge makes healthy food accessible while fostering relationships and shared responsibility within the community.
Who’s Involved
Project Lead: Ariana Marenco
Ariana Marenco is a Public Relations student at the University of Florida and the student lead for the Gainesville Community Fridge.
Ariana coordinates communications, community partnerships, media outreach, volunteer training, and launch planning for the fridge.
Advisor: Caroline Nickerson, PhD
Caroline Nickerson, Executive Director of Florida Community Innovation (FCI), supports Ariana’s leadership.
Core Partners
Florida Community Innovation Foundation (FCI)
Student-powered civic tech and public affairs nonprofit coordinating logistics, communications, evaluation, and overall project support.
Civic Media Center (CMC)
The host site for the fridge. A radical library and organizing hub at 433 S Main St. The CMC provides the outdoor space, supports volunteer coordination, and anchors the project within a long-standing community network.
SLIICK Garden
Supports fresh food donations, urban farming education, and community events centered on food sovereignty.
Free Grocery Store
A local mutual-aid initiative that will coordinate grocery donations and connect community members to wider support networks.
Food Not Bombs Gainesville
Helps with prepared-food donations and integrates the fridge with weekly community meal efforts.
The Repurpose Project
Providing the refrigerator and materials needed for safe, accessible installation.
Local Restaurants & Businesses
Will be invited to support through food rescue partnerships. MOUs clarify donation schedules and safety practices.
Local Artists
Decorate the fridge and surrounding area to turn it into a neighborhood landmark.
Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA)
Funded the initial setup costs through the Community Partnership Grant.
This covered only the launch phase — the fridge will require ongoing community donations to stay stocked, cleaned, and operational.
Stay in the Loop
Subscribe to the Florida Community Innovation newsletter to receive:
- Launch date announcements
- Volunteer training and sign-up links
- Partner spotlights
- Impact updates
- Ways to support ongoing mutual-aid work in Gainesville
Contact
Email: info@floridainnovation.org
Organization: Florida Community Innovation Foundation
Please include “Gainesville Community Fridge” in your email subject line.