Hamiton community fridge says it got expired meat, rotten produce

A volunteer group that strives to reduce food insecurity in Hamilton got a donation it did not use.

On Thursday, Community Fridges HamOnt said that expired meat and rotten produce was left at its Gilkson fridge/pantry at 44 Greendale Dr., on the west Mountain.

“We’re able to handle this sort of thing … but where is the consideration?” the group wrote on Twitter. “EVERYONE deserves good, fresh food, regardless of access barriers they may have. Our hosts and our volunteers deserve to have their time and space respected. This is not a dumping ground.”

Received a “donation” of rotten produce and expired meat sprawled around the ground at the Gilkson community fridge today. Luckily we’re able to handle this sort of thing, thanks to the support we have from @TodaysFamilyOnt & our volunteers, but honestly – (1/2) pic.twitter.com/bahuW74jur

— Community Fridges HamOnt (@cf_hamont) July 22, 2021

– where is the consideration? EVERYONE deserves good, fresh food, regardless of access barriers they may have. Our hosts and our volunteers deserve to have their time and space respected. This is not a dumping ground. (2/2)

— Community Fridges HamOnt (@cf_hamont) July 22, 2021

Community Fridges HamOnt was created in March. The Gilkson and Beasley location (249 John St. N.) are each accessible 24 hours a day and features items such as fresh food, canned goods, and toiletries that have been donated by others in the community. 

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A pinned tweet on Community Fridges’ account gives a list of donation suggestions and ‘no, thanks’ items.’ Raw meat and rotting and wilted food are high up on the latter list.

Updated donation guidelines (and additional info) for our wonderful community fridge donors! pic.twitter.com/uMKUdPYxf3

— Community Fridges HamOnt (@cf_hamont) June 1, 2021

Community Fridges HamOnt says it is also planning to add a third location in the Crown Point neighbourhood.

(Cover photo via Community Fridges HamOnt.)