As late February wraps up, we are excited to share an update on the revival of the Community Fridge in Kelowna.
Over the past few weeks, our organizing team – four Bachelor of Sustainability students (Thea, Jolina, Madi and Sydney)- have been working behind the scenes to rebuild the fridge in a way that is stronger, more sustainable, and community-rooted over the long term.
What We’ve Been Working On
On February 26th, we hosted our first public meeting at Rustic Reel Brewing Co. to reconnect with the community and receive feedback. Our goal was simple: How do we make this project last?
Some key themes from the discussion include:
- Creating a strong and realistic volunteer schedule to avoid burnout
- Establishing consistent Cleaning and restocking schedules
- Finding a reliable, accessible location
- Ensuring long-term financial sustainability
- Maintaining a culture of trust and accessibility around food access
We also reflected on what made the previous fridge so meaningful – no proof of address required, no barriers, just mutual aid in action. That spirit remains at the heart of everything we are building.
Location and Accessibility
Accessibility was a major focus of the conversation. Suggestions included placing the fridge in high-traffic, visible areas, such as the downtown library – ultimately choosing a central space that is transit-accessible and welcoming.
We recognize that the highest need is downtown, and while our long-term dream is a fridge that is accessible to everyone, our immediate priority is finding one strong, stable home to relaunch successfully.
Volunteers and Community Engagement
Before we officially relaunch, we are focused on the foundation:
- Developing a clear volunteer onboarding process
- Identifying a possible easy-to-use coordination program
- Establishing a communication rhythm (Newsletter, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc)
- Creating realistic expectations to support long-term involvement
We are also exploring ideas like pop-up pantry events to build momentum and strengthen community relationships.
If you’re interested in helping shape the future of the fridge, we’d love to have you join our organizing conversations.
Expanding the Vision
Community members also expressed interest in expanding beyond food, including a separate pantry for period products and possible clothing storage, depending on logistics.
The fridge is more than just about food access – it’s about sharing resources, reducing waste, and strengthening mutual aid in Kelowna.
Risk Management and Sustainability
We are actively working on:
- Setting up donation accounts/donation logistics
- Clarifying liability considerations
- Making clear food safety guidelines (no open/expired food)
- planning strategies to address vandalism if it occurs
The previous fridge ran for two years, and we are learning from both its successes and hardships.
Looking Ahead
We are currently working towards a potential relaunch in September 2026. The next several months will be focused on strengthening infrastructure, partnerships, and community engagement and buy-ins.
The work won’t always be glamorous, buts its neccesary. We are deeply committed to building something that doesn’t just launch – but lasts.
Thankyou to everyone who attended our public meeting and shared ideas. Your input is shaping the next chapter of this project.
If you would like to stay updated, get involved, or share feedback, keep an eye on our website, Instagram page, and other socials.
The community is vital to rebuilding the fridge. Thank you.
*Public Meeting recording from February 26th can be accessed here, and on the Kelowna Community Fridge linktree.