Asheville Reporter

The City of Asheville has announced a partnership with Southside Community Farm to enhance access to fresh, free food at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center. A "Free Fridge" has been installed inside the center and will be stocked and maintained by staff and volunteers from Southside Community Farm.

This initiative is part of a broader community effort aimed at increasing access to fresh food, aligning with several city priorities such as the Municipal Climate Action Plan's goal 3, which supports sustainability and resilience for residents and businesses. It also ties into the Climate Justice Initiative and the Climate Emergency Declaration.

Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) recognizes the importance of using community centers and parks as venues for accessing healthy foods, supporting existing food projects, and promoting nutrition programming. Several centers host seed libraries, community gardens, monthly markets with fresh produce, and provide free weekday lunches for older adults. Recreate Asheville, APR's 10-year plan, aims to maintain and expand projects that improve food access under its Community Health and Wellness section.

Community members interested in learning more about this initiative are invited to attend a "Free Fridge Info Session" on Saturday, February 1 at Grant Southside Center on 285 Livingston Street. The session will include information about the Free Fridge program, sandwich-making for distribution, and opportunities for volunteering in support of increased food access.

The Free Fridge is available to all during Grant Southside Center's operating hours.

For further details about Southside Community Farm's initiatives on food access and justice, individuals can visit their website.