Americans resort to community fridges due to rising grocery prices: 'The value of the dollar is not going as far as before'

With grocery prices climbing rapidly, more Americans are relying on food pantries and community fridges to manage their household budgets. The spike in costs has also increased the demand for volunteers to help sustain these initiatives.

According to recent reports, grocery prices in the Midwest have risen by approximately 3% compared to last year, creating financial strain for many families. In response, Kelsey Lutzow co-founded The Fridge in Green Bay, which operates around the clock and offers essential items, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

Community fridges serve a dual purpose: they provide immediate relief for people struggling with food expenses and help reduce food waste by preserving perishable goods that might otherwise be discarded. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that nearly 30-40% of food in the country goes to waste, while grocery bills continue to climb.

TJ Hobbs, a co-founder of Hope Fridge, explained that volunteers often restock the fridges multiple times per day because food disappears quickly, sometimes within hours. Lutzow added that traditional resources like SNAP benefits no longer stretch as far as they once did, making community support essential.

For those looking for alternatives at home, the online store Martie provides shelf-stable groceries, snacks, and household items at discounts of up to 80%, sourcing surplus and overstock items directly from brands. This approach not only saves money but also helps combat food waste, a major contributor to landfill accumulation.

Supporting Communities and the Planet

Whether visiting a local community fridge or ordering from Martie, these actions help prevent food from ending up in landfills while also easing household expenses. Apps like Fridge Finder and Freedge make it simple to locate nearby community fridges.

Additional ways to reduce grocery costs include reusing leftovers, making shopping lists, and storing food correctly to extend its freshness.

Building Connections Through Food

Community fridges are not just about access to foodthey foster connection and solidarity among neighbors. Lutzow emphasized that these fridges provide vital support for families living paycheck to paycheck and offer a sense of communal care during challenging times.

Author: Aiden Foster