Host Site FAQ
Make sure you read the FAQ on our About Us page for more information about who we are and how the fridge works!
What does CFN need from the host site?
A host site’s responsibility is to host the shed that houses the community fridge and pantry and cover the cost of the hydro the fridge uses. CFN will do the rest! We have a group of volunteers who will visit the location regularly to clean/sanitize, check temperatures and that the contributions meet our guidelines. We are responsible for maintaining and operating the location.
What can the host site expect?
Host sites can expect an increase of foot and vehicle traffic related to contributing to or accessing the fridge and pantry. Host sites can also expect some additional free promotion as CFN often references the host site to describe the location of the fridge and pantry. Host sites may also expect some questions from community members, which may be directed to the volunteer organizers when needed.
Will this increase risk of loitering or vandalism to the host site?
Food scarcity and experiences of poverty potentially increase risk of loitering and vandalism to businesses/community spaces. These risks are present in any community spaces where food scarcity and poverty exist. In response to this, we offer access to a basic need that is increasingly difficult to access. As a result, we have experienced our fridge shed being welcomed and cared for by community members. Our current host site has not experienced any of these concerns during our partnership.
We assure host sites that we are connected to a network of community fridge organizations across North America and have access to their expertise to assist with troubleshooting any challenges should they arise.
What if we decide hosting isn't working out?
We are open to resolving any concerns through communication and problem solving processes. If it’s decided that hosting is not working out, we can formally dissolve our partnership and relocate our community fridge. This process is outlined in the host site Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).