For people who can no longer afford a hot meal every evening, there is now a partial refrigerator in Bergen op Zoom. A hot meal is important according to Jelle Gillissen and Farid El-Khassim, but due to the high food and energy prices, it is not self-evident for everyone. That is why the two board members of Het Adriano Huis in Bergen op Zoom decided to put away a partial refrigerator.
The Adriano House is an institution for people with intellectual disabilities and behavioral problems. And since Wednesday there is a large refrigerator on the site. It’s still a bit empty at the moment, but that will soon change. “It’s the first day it’s open. We have already put three dishes in it ourselves, but of course also hope that people from the neighborhood want to participate,” explains Jelle.
The idea of the shared refrigerator originated in New York. There are several ‘Friendly Fridges’ scattered throughout the city. “It is deliberately defaced with graffiti, so that no one wants to steal it. But ours is just safe behind a fence.”
“We trust people to bring what they need.”
The idea is simple. Anyone who has leftover food or cooling products may place it in the refrigerator. “Preferably with the date of preparation on it and the ingredients in connection with allergies.”
Anyone who can use something from the fridge can take it. How much doesn’t matter. “We trust people to bring what they need.”
“We don’t look at your background, status or assets.”
There is also no specific target group. “We don’t look at your background, status or assets. Everyone has their own good reason to use the refrigerator.” This is done at your own risk: “Of course we cannot always keep an eye on what others post.” Alcohol is also not allowed. “It really only concerns refrigerated products and complete meals.”
Jelle and Farid have entered into a partnership with Annemarie de Jong. She manages the sub-cabinet at her house on the Prinses Marijkestraat. “Long-life products that do not need to be kept in the refrigerator can be collected or delivered to her.”
Residents of Het Adriano Huis will keep an eye on whether the products are still sustainable. “They really enjoy doing that. Now they also get the chance to take care of others.”
The shared refrigerator is open every day from nine in the morning to eight in the evening and can be found at Jan Borghoutsplein 51 in Bergen op Zoom.
