The Garden Café is quickly becoming a go-to spot in the Northside for coffee, pastries, free plants & free books — and now we provide free food as well!

Community refrigerators are popping up all over the country as a way to promote food security and eliminate food waste (you can learn more about community fridges here ), and–thanks to the generosity of our friends and neighbors–we have successfully brought this very idea to The Garden! In the spring of 2022, we met our GoFundMe goal to install a community fridge on our back patio. Now you can help us keep our fridge stocked with fresh food year-round with a donation that will be funneled directly into groceries. Just click the green “Donate!” button down below to make a financial contribution!

Food donations to the fridge are also more than welcome. We find that prepackaged, ready-to-eat items go fastest, as well as eggs, milk, frozen meals, and personal care items (soap, deodorant, razors, feminine hygiene products, etc.). There are shelves to the right of the fridge where you can place non-perishable items.

If you choose to drop off food at the fridge, we ask that you please follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe & healthy:

YES, PLEASE!

• Prepackaged foods
• Fresh produce
• Unexpired dairy products (eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese)
• Foods prepared in a commercial kitchen with all ingredients clearly listed

NO, THANK YOU!

• Raw meat or seafood
• Homemade food or leftovers
• Alcohol
• Expired foods