Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is mutual aid and how does it differ from a non-profit?
A: Mutual aid is a community working together to support one another where everyone involved can both help and be helped by the project with the goal of meeting our communities’ needs that are not currently being served by our leaders or systems. Our community and neighbors deserve self-reliance in a society where needs are being discriminately overlooked or withheld - mutual aid serves to close these gaps through the people who know our community best: us, neighbor to neighbor.
A non-profit is a charity with paid employees, a business plan, and a clear distinction between givers and receivers. Vancouver Free Fridge Project (VFFP) is whole-heartedly a mutual aid project!
Q: Who runs the project?
A: The VFFP is run and maintained completely by volunteers from our community and has been since the first Vancouver Free Fridge opened in 2021. There is a great need for regular volunteers to keep this mutual aid project healthy and running.
Anyone can volunteer in the capacity that they’re able, whether it’s through doing regular fridge cleaning and inventory maintenance, transportation of offerings, building maintenance and repair, or establishing new gleaning connections in the community. Join us on Slack to get started volunteering!
Q: When are the fridges open?
A: The fridges and pantries are open 24/7! In the case of inclement weather or electrical power failures, we temporarily shut the fridges (and sometimes pantries) down to keep them from operating outside of the proper temperature range. Shut downs involve volunteers promptly removing food and posting signage.
Q: Are the fridges open on holidays?
A: Yes! In fact, we run drives to fill the fridges for the winter holidays. Thanks to helpful neighbors, we are even able to boost our storage capacity for holiday foods during November and December with large chest freezers. You can help support this work by joining our Slack or contributing via Venmo.
Q: Where does the food in the fridges and pantries come from?
A: Since this is a mutual aid project, the food does not come from any singular or set source. Redirecting food that is still good but would otherwise be wasted is one of the goals of the free fridge movement and as such we are always looking for businesses to partner with to help redirect food. Individuals can also bring in food that meets our Offering Guidelines.
Q: Can I offer non-food items to the pantry?
A: On a trial basis, VFF locations will be accepting new unused masks, unexpired and unopened COVID tests, and unopened menstrual products only. If you have other non-food items to share, such as clothing, please share directly with neighbors or reach out to one of the many local organizations that distribute these items to those in need.
Q: Who cleans the fridges?
A: Volunteers (i.e. you!) are trained to properly clean and maintain the fridges on a rotating schedule. Download and join our Slack if you want to help!
Q: What is Slack?
A: Slack is a group organizing and messaging app that hosts all communication between VFFP volunteers. It’s free and designed for ease of use. We have volunteer staff there to help guide you through using our Slack and to answer any questions you may have.
Q: Why doesn’t each location get the same amount of food?
A: Logistics, need, volunteer capacity and community participation vary between the locations. Interested in helping us build capacity? Join us on Slack and introduce yourself in the #social-introductions channel. We’ll be in touch to get you on board!
Q: What if I don’t have time to volunteer but want to help?
A: Mutual aid relies on folks helping in ways they’re able within the confines of their abilities and time. If you can, please consider donating to the project via our Venmo. All money donated goes directly to purchase food, maintenance, and building supplies for the project. Please note that donations are not tax-deductible since we are not a non-profit.
Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest VFFP goings-on?
A: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or visit our Linktree!
A: Mutual aid is a community working together to support one another where everyone involved can both help and be helped by the project with the goal of meeting our communities’ needs that are not currently being served by our leaders or systems. Our community and neighbors deserve self-reliance in a society where needs are being discriminately overlooked or withheld - mutual aid serves to close these gaps through the people who know our community best: us, neighbor to neighbor.
A non-profit is a charity with paid employees, a business plan, and a clear distinction between givers and receivers. Vancouver Free Fridge Project (VFFP) is whole-heartedly a mutual aid project!
Q: Who runs the project?
A: The VFFP is run and maintained completely by volunteers from our community and has been since the first Vancouver Free Fridge opened in 2021. There is a great need for regular volunteers to keep this mutual aid project healthy and running.
Anyone can volunteer in the capacity that they’re able, whether it’s through doing regular fridge cleaning and inventory maintenance, transportation of offerings, building maintenance and repair, or establishing new gleaning connections in the community. Join us on Slack to get started volunteering!
Q: When are the fridges open?
A: The fridges and pantries are open 24/7! In the case of inclement weather or electrical power failures, we temporarily shut the fridges (and sometimes pantries) down to keep them from operating outside of the proper temperature range. Shut downs involve volunteers promptly removing food and posting signage.
Q: Are the fridges open on holidays?
A: Yes! In fact, we run drives to fill the fridges for the winter holidays. Thanks to helpful neighbors, we are even able to boost our storage capacity for holiday foods during November and December with large chest freezers. You can help support this work by joining our Slack or contributing via Venmo.
Q: Where does the food in the fridges and pantries come from?
A: Since this is a mutual aid project, the food does not come from any singular or set source. Redirecting food that is still good but would otherwise be wasted is one of the goals of the free fridge movement and as such we are always looking for businesses to partner with to help redirect food. Individuals can also bring in food that meets our Offering Guidelines.
Q: Can I offer non-food items to the pantry?
A: On a trial basis, VFF locations will be accepting new unused masks, unexpired and unopened COVID tests, and unopened menstrual products only. If you have other non-food items to share, such as clothing, please share directly with neighbors or reach out to one of the many local organizations that distribute these items to those in need.
Q: Who cleans the fridges?
A: Volunteers (i.e. you!) are trained to properly clean and maintain the fridges on a rotating schedule. Download and join our Slack if you want to help!
Q: What is Slack?
A: Slack is a group organizing and messaging app that hosts all communication between VFFP volunteers. It’s free and designed for ease of use. We have volunteer staff there to help guide you through using our Slack and to answer any questions you may have.
Q: Why doesn’t each location get the same amount of food?
A: Logistics, need, volunteer capacity and community participation vary between the locations. Interested in helping us build capacity? Join us on Slack and introduce yourself in the #social-introductions channel. We’ll be in touch to get you on board!
Q: What if I don’t have time to volunteer but want to help?
A: Mutual aid relies on folks helping in ways they’re able within the confines of their abilities and time. If you can, please consider donating to the project via our Venmo. All money donated goes directly to purchase food, maintenance, and building supplies for the project. Please note that donations are not tax-deductible since we are not a non-profit.
Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest VFFP goings-on?
A: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or visit our Linktree!