Dear Community,
F.O.O.D. Acadiana is excited to share a fresh update on our community fridge initiative! Since our last check‑in, two new fridges have been successfully completed and are already making a meaningful impact. The Christian Life Center fridge was completed on March 28 as planned—developed in partnership with the Brandon Mason Project—has been an incredible success, with steady use and strong community engagement. The church congregation pitches in to make sure the fridge stays stocked and Likewise, the Raccoon Oak Farm Community Fridge, coined “The Breaux Bridge Giving Fridge”, is thriving thanks to the ongoing care and stewardship of neighbors who have embraced it wholeheartedly. Breaux Bridge residents are stopping by multiple times a week to deliver goods and clean the area. Both fridges are operated via solar energy, courtesy of The Footprint Project.
Christian Life Center and The Breaux Bridge Giving Fridge are being maintained by the community neighborhoods at large, which is exactly the kind of shared responsibility and mutual aid this project was designed to inspire. The consistent inquiry about donations, delivery, cleaning, and monitoring happening at each location speaks volumes about the commitment of those involved and the real need these fridges are meeting. During Festival International, we were able to save 1500+ plates of food from rescues, and these fridges certainly came in handy at that time to feed those in need. This is a vital community resource.
Looking ahead, we’re currently in active conversations with the Thensted Center in Grand Coteau. Mockups for a fridge build have been sent. On a side note, we’re also exploring an additional grant opportunity with them that could help bring yet another F.O.O.D. project to life! The enthusiasm from their team has been encouraging, and we’re optimistic about what this partnership could become.
As for our fourth location, we have found one but it is still in the beginning phases of negotiation.. Footprint Project is willing to donate two more kits to us and the contractors that helped build the Christian Life Center Fridge will return for this build when we are ready. We are aiming for late July to begin building at this location.
Thank you for your continued support, collaboration, and belief in this project. Every fridge built is a testament to what we can accomplish together, and we look forward to sharing more progress soon.