There’s a rich history of inspiring and enterprising student leaders at SVA and that spirit continues with the recently launched SVA Community Fridge, conceived by second-year BFA Animation student Kalani Van Meter, president of the Indigenous Student Union. In recent months, Van Meter approached the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Student Affairs with concern about students who are challenged with food insecurity. She proposed making healthy food options more accessible to community members that need them through a shared fridge. Through the efforts of Van Meter, Student Affairs, the DEI office and the Visual Arts Foundation, the SVA Community Fridge launched on November 29, right after Thanksgiving (it even has its own Instagram page).

Housed in the SVA Student Center, the fridge's hours of availability are the same as the Centers hours of operations—Monday through Friday 10am – 10pm and Saturday and Sunday, 12pm – 6pm. Available in the fridge are fruits, veggies, eggs and bread. Non-perishables such as rice, pasta and granola bars are also on hand. In collaboration with Van Meter, Student Affairs took the initiative one step further and convinced the local Trader Joe’s to donate boxed salads, sandwiches and wraps.

The ethos of the Community Fridges is a simple, ethical and conscientious, “take what you need, leave what you can” approach. Anyone can donate to keep the Community Fridge filled. Using this link from the Visual Arts Foundation, you can donate as little a $1 and up to whatever you can provide. Please indicate “COMMUNITY FRIDGE” in the comment box and use a credit or debit card in order to make a donation.

“As an activist within the city, I’ve participated in holding rallies, memorials, given speeches, and helped with community fridges,” Van Meter explained, describing her intentions and how she became moved and inspired to bring the idea to life.

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