What We Know: Fresh fruits and vegetables are flying off the shelves at the Republic Branch Library, thanks to a community fridge that is helping local families put healthy food on the table.
The library receives fresh produce from Missouri farmers twice each week, including tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, peaches, strawberries and other seasonal items.
What It Means: Nearly 700 people picked up about 1,500 pounds of produce last month alone.
After grant funding that helped launch the program ran out, library staff began looking for ways to keep the fridge stocked.
Help came quickly from Republic Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4593.
What’s Next: The VFW first presented the library with a $5,000 check, then committed to providing a total of $30,000 through the end of the growing season.
The junior vice commander of the VFW post says members wanted to find a meaningful way to give back.
The community fridge is open to anyone in need. Shay said residents are welcome to stop by the library and take what they need.
(Photo provided by Envato)