Syracuse’s first community fridge food pantry is open: ‘Neighborly love goes a long way’

Syracuse, N.Y. – After spending a decade working in communications in New York City, Lis Webber headed back home and is now giving back to her community by opening the city’s first community fridge food pantry.

Webber opened the community fridge last week, in partnership with All Saints Church on the east side of Syracuse.

The outdoor fridge and pantry is open 24 hours a day at the church at 1340 Lancaster Ave., between the church and the Parish center buildings.

The idea is this: “Take what you need, leave something that you don’t,” Webber said.

Many food pantries traditionally offer non-perishable foods and pantry items. A community fridge involves an actual refrigerator stocked with dairy products and fresh produce.

To ensure the fridge is stocked properly, and no perishable items like milk expire, Webber and volunteers monitor the outdoor fridge and food pantry at least twice a day.

The Syracuse University alum learned about community fridges through one of her clients as a social media strategist in New York City. Community fridges became more common during the coronavirus pandemic, she said.

She brought the idea back to Central New York with a renewed urge to volunteer, as she once did as a student at the nearby Christian Brothers Academy.

“What I really missed was that community involvement,” Webber said.

“I knew All Saints because I grew up in that area and had always seen their signs saying all were welcome,” she added. “Places of worship oftentimes make good locations for community fridges.”

Webber said she hopes that people might even donate food they grow.

“If your garden produces an abundance or bounty, share that with your neighbors,” she said. “A little bit of neighborly love goes a long way.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up online here or email for available roles, including food transport and fridge monitoring.