Fridge network in Baltimore delivers food and care across the city

The Baltimore Community Fridge Network grew from four refrigerators in 2025 to about 22 volunteer-run fridges and pet pantries, stocked by local cooks and donors with prepared meals and donated groceries.

The Baltimore Community Fridge Network began in 2025 with four refrigerators and has expanded to more than 20 community fridges and pet pantries across the city. The project was founded by Julie Kichline, Elizabeth Miller, Lila Perilloux and Marci Yankelov. Volunteers, local cooks and donors keep the fridges stocked with prepared meals, groceries and items still usable for several days. The effort is organized without paid staff and is covered by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act. What is known: - The network started with four refrigerators provided by Marci Yankelov and formed as BCFN in 2025. - Founders include Julie Kichline, Elizabeth Miller, Lila Perilloux and Marci Yankelov. - Members report the network grew to about 22 sites, including pet pantries, in less than nine months. - The operation is entirely volunteer-run; no single person is responsible for stocking all fridges. - Organizers say they collect donated groceries, prepared meals and items near the end of their usable dates, and they build many of their own fridge shelters. - BCFN is reported as covered by the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act, which provides liability protection for donations made in good faith. Summary: The network has increased local access to donated and prepared food while fostering direct exchanges between donors and food seekers. Organizers emphasize keeping fridges available and aim to install full-sized refrigerators for new sites when possible. Continued volunteer-led expansion is reported, with specific future site plans undetermined at this time.