By Sean P. Ray | Managing Editor

EAST DEUTSCHTOWN — In the spring of last year, Garden Café owner Gayle McGarril got the idea to add a free community fridge to the exterior of her business.

Inspired by examples of the concept in other areas, the fridge would be a source of free food for anyone in the neighborhood who would need it. After a successful fundraising campaign — and a very helpful donation from a local church — the fridge was set up in June of 2022.

Now, close to a year later, the outdoor fridge has proven to be so popular, McGarril has trouble meeting the great demand.

“It is highly trafficked,” she said. “In fact, our biggest challenge with the fridge is that it is almost impossible to keep it stocked.”

Check out the May issue of The Northside Chronicle for the full story.