Local organization’s community fridge on Cary Street toppled to ground, broken

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A local organization's community fridge on Richmond's Cary Street, stocked with free food for those in need, was found toppled to the ground and broken on Wednesday morning.

RVA Community Fridges is a local nonprofit mutual aid organization that provides free food at 14 refrigerators spread throughout the Richmond area. The fridges are filled with both donations and dishes cooked by volunteers, which anyone in need can access without question.

In the morning on Wednesday, Sept. 24, local bicycle-based courier service Quickness RVA posted an image of a community fridge that had been tipped over and broken by an unknown person on social media.

The fridge, located outside of Shelf Life Books on Cary Street, was seen destroyed, lying horizontally on the sidewalk in front of the bookstore, with its freezer door broken off, as well as its shelves and food scattered on the ground.

That's how Taylor Scott, founder of RVA Community Fridges, said she was informed of the incident.

The vandalized fridge was later removed. 8News spoke with Scott as efforts to clean out a donated replacement fridge were underway.

Scott said the vandalism most likely happened overnight or in the early morning hours, but not much else is known about what transpired.

"This morning, we had a little minor vandal on the fridge, nothing we are taking too close to heart, and the fridge essentially tipped over, and the food was thrown out of it," Scott explained. "We have been adamantly working with the community for the last few hours, replacing the fridge, as you can see, and we're already working on getting this one up."

(Photo: RVA Community Fridges)

(Photo: RVA Community Fridges)

(Photo: RVA Community Fridges)

(Photo: RVA Community Fridges)

(Photo: Paul Nevadomski, 8News)

As to what was lost, Scott said food from RVA Community Fridges cooked with volunteers during a "cook night" on Sept. 23 was on the ground, as well as vegetables from local farmers, and meals made by residents in their homes.

In addition, Scott said the fridge itself, painted by Lucky Signs, was also a big loss, but said she hopes that the replacement fridge will be painted as well.

When asked if she had a message to share with whoever may have vandalized the fridge, Scott simply said that if they need assistance, resources or have food preferences, they are welcome to notify RVA Community Fridges for support.

"We'll work our hardest to get that here for you next time," Scott said.

Scott expressed her gratitude toward community members stepped in to help with clean-up, adding that she appreciates the help.

Anyone looking to find a fridge, or volunteer and/or donate to support RVA Community Fridges can find further information on the nonprofit's website.