A new community free fridge is now open in Childs Park. Mark and Steve Lee-Babins just set up the free fridge at 4820 11th Ave S. The pair added it to their property as a way to assist those most in need. They are currently accepting donations. Take what you need, leave what you can.

While millions go hungry every year, nearly 30%-40% of food is wasted each year. This estimate, based on estimates from USDA’s Economic Research Service of 31 percent food loss at the retail and consumer levels, corresponded to approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food.

Water, grab-and-go bars, peanut butter, yogurt, and other adjacent foods are always appreciated.

Childs Park residents support one another

Another pantry for dogs opened earlier in 2022. Mark James, the craftsman behind Bear Creek Custom Timber, LLC, has found a beautiful way to honor his late dog. James crafted a free food pantry for dogs in his neighborhood and named it “Hank’s Bark Box.” 

“One of my dogs passed recently and have been trying to find a way to honor his memory and this is what I’ve come up with,” wrote James in a post on Facebook. “I’ve seen many Free Food Pantries for people as well as Little Free Libraries, but I don’t remember seeing any roadside pantry boxes for pet food.”

The pantry is located on the Northwest corner of 65th Street and 3rd Ave South.

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