The Newmarket Food Pantry is looking for an ongoing roster of volunteers to help maintain the new community fridge.
"The community fridge is a project by the community, for the community! The more neighbours we have join(ing) our volunteer team, the greater our ability to support our community members who utilize the fridge," the food pantry said in an Instagram post.
There are two different jobs to be done: twice weekly deep cleans and twice daily fridge check-ins.
The tasks to be completed during these shifts, which are each just 15 minutes, include tidying and disinfecting, throwing out non-compliant donations or expired items, checking the temperature of the fridge, and updating the fridge coordinator via text or email. All supplies needed, as well as instructions will be provided.
Volunteers can sign up online for a 15-minute shift, which can be completed within a window of time that works best for them.
For the daily check, every day a morning shift must be completed sometime between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. and an evening shift must be done anytime between 3 and 11 p.m. Weekly cleanings are on Mondays and Thursdays and can be done anytime between 8 a.m. and noon.
"Your 15 minutes of time has a direct impact on the success of the fridge, while helping to keep everyone safe," the food pantry said.
Volunteer sign-up is completed online and you can schedule yourself for as many shifts as you want.
For people who want to help out but can't volunteer their time, there are other ways you can contribute. You can drop off food anytime or donate money to the Newmarket Food Pantry. You can also organize a food drive or fundraiser in support of the food pantry and community fridge. Another way to help out is by sharing social media posts about the community fridge and spreading awareness about the need in the community.
The community fridge is located outside the Newmarket Public Library and provides round-the-clock services to anyone needing food.
