Treaty Acknowledgement
The Riversdale Community Fridge acknowledges Treaty 6 territory—the ancestral and traditional territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, as well as the Métis. We acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.
About Us
The Riversdale Community Fridge was established in January 2021 by a small core team of community members who wanted to help in addressing food insecurity and poverty in Saskatoon.
We are inspired by the work being done by other pre-existing groups who have been contributing to the effort, and hope that our project can inspire others to replicate their own efforts of mutual aid.
Mission Statement
We provide access to healthy food options to relieve and prevent hunger while addressing food waste via our collaboration with local businesses and community partners.
Vision Statement
To bring the good fight against food insecurity and hunger in our city, and inspire others to join.
Our Priorities
Distribution of Food
To work with local donors and partners in obtaining quality food and ensuring the fridge is stocked to service the community.
Advocacy for Change
To emphasize the necessity of finding long-term solutions and policies to poverty, food insecurity, and food waste while encouraging members of the community to commit to pushing for action for the marginalized, vulnerable, and oppressed.
Mobilization
To provide opportunities and chances for members of the community to volunteer, participate, and advocate alongside us while building strong collaborative relationships.
Our Core Values
Rights-based
We believe food is a human right: everyone has the right to be free from hunger and poverty, and the right to food as a necessity in ensuring a quality standard of life.
Solidarity
We emphasize our efforts and conduct based on “solidarity, not charity” and therefore the necessity of respect and treating everybody with dignity, aligning ourselves in particular with communities left to fend for themselves under capitalism.
Mutual Aid
The provision for both short and long-term solutions to hunger, poverty, and social justice can be accomplished when community relationships are built, strengthened, and form the basis for collaboration. Skills and resources are centralized upon community care, and participation within mutual aid means we operate in a bottom-up capacity.
Integrity
RCF will act with openness, good faith and transparency under the highest ethical standards and best practice. We are accountable to the community and answer to the community.