'Fridgeport' refrigerator and food pantry serves Bridgeport community
"Fridgeport" is a joint refrigerator and food pantry serving those in need. It's an idea Bridgeport resident Reggy St. Fortcolin came up with at the height of the pandemic.
Jun 7, 2023, 12:45 PM
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It may look like a small shed near the corner of James Street and Harral Avenue in Bridgeport, but it's making a big impact in the community.
"Fridgeport" is a joint refrigerator and food pantry serving those in need. It's an idea Bridgeport resident Reggy St. Fortcolin came up with at the height of the pandemic.
"Food insecurity was crazy high, a lot of it just came through there was immediate need," St. Fortcolin said.
Fridgeport is located outside Kingdom Builders Impact Ministries and is open 24/7.
"When COVID hit, we had to kind of close down but still wanted to be available for people," Pastor Ken Smith said.
Local nonprofit organizations, farmers and community members help stock the refrigerator and pantry. The refrigerator contains milk, produce and frozen foods. The pantry is filled with a variety of shelf-stable items. St. Fortcolin said around 1,200 people a week grab what they need.
"The price of being alive is going up," St. Fortcolin explained. "People afford less and less with groceries. Even if it's not whole meals, they come here to supplement."
St. Fortcolin said his goal is to not only combat food insecurity, but also take the stigma away from it. He said he built Fridgeport outside so people feel more comfortable walking up to it.
St. Fortcolin has also opened "Fridgehaven" in New Haven and "Fridgeford" in Hartford.
"It's like watching a hockey puck on ice, it's moving way faster than I can watch," St. Fortcolin said. "It's cool. I'm enjoying it."
Kingdom Builders Impact Ministries is accepting food donations. Items can be placed in the refrigerator and pantry anytime. Pickups can also be arranged by calling 877-327-7925 ext. 4.
