RVA Community Fridges: How Extra Tomatoes Started a Community Movement

One of the fridges recently stocked with fresh produce.

Credit: RVA Community Fridges social media

Richmond, Virginia, is celebrated for its lively LGBTQ+ community, its history, and its unique character. But beyond the city's exterior lies an inspiring initiative that's making a substantial impact on the lives of its residents. RVA Community Fridges, a mutual aid group, is combating food insecurity throughout and around Richmond. Founded by Taylor Scott, this organization is not just providing food; it's forging connections, educating, and envisioning a more equitable future.

The journey of RVA Community Fridges began with a surplus of tomatoes from Taylor's hydroponic farmstand. Rather than wasting them, Taylor was inspired to share the produce with her community. Having grown up in New Orleans, she was familiar with the concept of mutual aid and community fridges. The idea of a community fridge in Richmond was born.

In January 2021, RVA Community Fridges established its first fridge, the #VenableStFridge, on Venable Street. It was a response to the increasing food insecurity, which was exacerbated by the pandemic. Through this humble beginning, Taylor and the community realized the need for more fridges and how they could positively impact the lives of the residents.

One of the remarkable aspects of RVA Community Fridges is the direct connection it creates with the community. Volunteers interact with individuals who use the fridges, exchanging stories and recipes, and cultivating relationships. These interactions are enriching both for the volunteers and those benefiting from the fridges.

Collaboration is paramount to RVA Community Fridges' success. Local farms generously provide fresh produce, local businesses donate surplus food, and volunteers distribute these resources. The organization also partners with local groups to hold fundraisers and educate the community on food justice and sovereignty. Taylor emphasizes that none of their work would be possible “without the time and commitment volunteers, community members, local businesses and farms put in for us!”

In the context of food insecurity, mutual aid plays a pivotal role in creating a more equitable and resilient society. As Taylor explains, “We are providing on-demand food that community members have access to 24/7, with no questions and no policing involved.” She continues, “Richmond in particular has so many areas that were not built equitably and experience being a food apartheid due to this. Fresh food is an essential need and right for all humans. Therefore, our work is essential in creating a society where food access should be unrestricted, and where members of the community have the right and privilege to choose and grow the foods they eat.”

The future of RVA Community Fridges appears promising. The organization is launching a Mutual Aid Kitchen, "Matchbox Mutual Aid," in collaboration with the local Richmond Food Not Bombs chapter. Exciting plans and events are on the horizon, all with the aim of putting more food in community fridges.

Looking ahead, RVA Community Fridges hopes to see substantial growth in the near future. In addition to establishing a non-profit sector to support their local farmer suppliers, Taylor envisions “lots of new community connections” through cooking together at Matchstick as well as “growth in our Food Justice, Education, Waste, & Sovereignty education areas” as the organization explores opportunities to grow and preserve food.

RVA Community Fridges aims to establish a non-profit sector to secure grants and support local farmers. It’s commitment to educating the community about food justice, waste, and sovereignty will only grow stronger. Taylor and her team have their sights set on an even brighter, more inclusive future for Richmond.

In Richmond, RVA Community Fridges is doing more than just addressing food insecurity; it is fostering a sense of community, education, and resilience. For more information and to support this organization, visit https://www.rvacommunityfridges.com.