A public forum about Calumet’s Community Free Fridge will be held on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom, sponsored by the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (KUUF). Sue Peterson, volunteer coordinator for the program, will speak, along with a contributing farmer and a member of the community. The forum is free and everyone is welcome.
In the Keweenaw, a significant challenge has long persisted: limited access to fresh and affordable food. The aim of the community free fridge is to reduce food insecurity, while also mitigating food waste.
Farmers and bakers from Calumet’s Farmers’ Market have donated seasonal produce and baked items throughout the summer and fall growing season. The community also donates items from their personal gardens. Meat, cheese and other foodstuffs are donated by local businesses.
The Calumet Community Free Fridge is located at The Office Shop, 25703 Scott St. in Calumet. Access to the fridge is during business hours: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and until 4 p.m. on Saturday. All food is free to anyone, no questions asked. The program’s policy is “take what you need, leave what you can.”
Peterson works with the Calumet Farmers Market, Senior Meals, Copper Country Angel Mission and 31 Backpacks. She also started a knitting group called Calumet Hats for Hope, to provide warm items for those in need.