As we started our service-learning with the South End Fridge, we were excited to learn more about how the fridge is stocked. On top of a product drive, we thought there were others ways we might make an impact. The group had a shared interest in learning more about the food rescue partnership with Siena Farms, so we set up a meeting with Laura to discuss how we might be able to help the fridge build some more community partnerships.
After that call, we realized that the lack of volunteer resources made it difficult to coordinate food pick-up, so as we built out a list of organizations to reach out to, we focused on businesses in the immediate area who might be willing to walk food over. We reached out to over 20 places, and recorded their responses in a table below. Most restaurants either said they were not interested in participating or did not have extra food to donate. However, there were a few positive responses that we hope to turn into regular donation partnerships. We considered this project a success as we raised awareness about the fridge and invited neighbors to take collective responsibility.
After that call, we realized that the lack of volunteer resources made it difficult to coordinate food pick-up, so as we built out a list of organizations to reach out to, we focused on businesses in the immediate area who might be willing to walk food over. We reached out to over 20 places, and recorded their responses in a table below. Most restaurants either said they were not interested in participating or did not have extra food to donate. However, there were a few positive responses that we hope to turn into regular donation partnerships. We considered this project a success as we raised awareness about the fridge and invited neighbors to take collective responsibility.
Outreach Template
I’m currently volunteering with the South End Community Fridge through Northeastern University’s service-learning program. I’m hoping to help establish some partnerships with local restaurants to reduce food waste and help keep the fridge stocked. Would you be interested in donating any excess food that you have at the end of the day to the South End Community Fridge at 549 Columbus Ave? Any amount would help- regardless how small it may be. Members of the community to rely on the fridge to reduce the burden of food on their budget, but it often don't have enough for everyone. With your help we can positively impact members of our community in need! Please let us know if you are interested or have any questions."
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Outreach Tracker
Business Name |
Response |
Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen |
called twice, no answer |
MIDA |
Called twice, no answer |
SRV |
talked to Ted, SRV is familiar with the fridge and normally they don't have leftover food, but will walk it over if they do |
5 Horses Tavern |
sent email to manager but did not get a response |
Farmer’s Horse Coffee |
Not interested. do not normally have extra food to donate |
Render Coffee |
sent email to manager but did not get a response |
Petit Robert |
Called twice, no answer |
House of Siam |
sent email to manager but did not get a response |
Shun’s Kitchen |
sent email to manager but did not get a response |
ilona |
not interested |
Lobstah on a Roll |
spoke to manager but was not interested |
Cafe Madeleine |
sent email to manager but did not get a response |
South End Buttery |
received positive response from manager, following up |
Dunkin |
not interested |
Caffé Bene |
sent email to manager but did not get a response |
Lucy's Ethiopian Café |
sent email to manager but did not get a response |
Lobstah on a Roll |
spoke to manager but was not interested |
7/11 |
not interested |
Whole Foods |
not interested |
Star Market |
not interested |
Giovanni’s Market |
not interested |