Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much can people take?

As little or as much as they like.

There are no rules, and absolutely anybody can take what they need - no questions asked.

We do not tolerate or welcome a culture or any sort of behaviour that attempts to badger, harass, and/or interrogate people for their choices.

Please be respectful, and mind your business.

When are you open?

The fridge operates twenty-four hours, seven days a week and is never locked unless notice is given (e.g. structure is closed for repairs, etc).

The doors stay closed for safety reasons, but they can be opened by anyone at any time.

Can you deliver a hamper to an address?

Unfortunately we do not have the capacity to make drop-off deliveries to addresses, the fridge is a stationary, stand-alone structure. If you are needing a hamper, there are groups such as Food Not Bombs and Over the Rainbow that do deliver hampers.

Food Not Bombs: https://www.facebook.com/groups/293115702003/

Over the Rainbow: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saskatoonovertherainbow

What’s in the fridge right now as of this very second?

We, unfortunately, cannot answer this and probably have no idea.

We do NOT monitor the fridge via any kind of equipment and rely on updates from volunteers and the general public to know what is in it.

Updates are not received at any specific times, and are often received spaced out throughout the day at random intervals.

We understand not everyone can readily access the fridge, but in order to get an accurate answer, you must check the fridge yourself.

Hey, the fridge is empty!

Not technically a question, but please do not spam us about this. The fridge empties out quickly due to the high demand, and it is unavoidable there will be times there is nothing there.

The community fridge depends on donations from the community to be stocked, and with the occasional Flashfood order placed by our team and volunteers.

We are a small team of organizers who are not formally funded by any organization or government and rely on public monetary donations and food donations.

The fridge is not meant to be sustained by a small handful of people alone, and we encourage everyone to donate directly to the fridge.

You can also donate below with a credit card or Apple Pay with the Donate button at the bottom of the page, direct e-transfers to: riversdalecommunityfridge@gmail.com or donate to via Paypal.

How do I donate to the actual fridge itself?

Go to our location, walk up to the fridge, open the doors and place your items inside. You do not need to ask anybody to do it or be screened in any way.

We only ask you to follow our guidelines, as anything that does not abide by our guidelines will be removed for health and safety measures.

What is acceptable to donate?

We accept the following:

• Fresh produce, garden produce

• Dry goods

• Sealed, non-alcoholic beverages

• Grab & Go foods (e.g. single-serving snacks, granola bars)

• Hygiene products

• Pet food

Please note that store-bought items must be unopened, sealed, and unused (with a few exceptions, use common sense).

The following is OK to donate if it is labelled with the best-before date:

• Store-bought baked goods (e.g. breads, pastries)

• Fresh eggs

• Dairy products (e.g. milk, cheese)

What is not acceptable to donate?

We do NOT accept:

• Raw meat or seafood (even if frozen)

• Expired, moldy or rottings foods

• Half-eaten foods (e.g. your takeout leftovers, yuck!)

• Home-cooked meals & goods (including any baked goods, and anything that has been processed/prepared outside of a licensed kitchen)

• Alcohol

• Medications

• Clothes and/or household items

If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t donate it. We are not a public dumping ground.