30 Jun 2024 Faithfully fed

Posted at 6:45 PMh in News by

The success of The Sharing Fridge program at Salem United Methodist Church in Conway is due to the members’ commitment to a pastor’s dream.

A ribbon cutting was held at Salem UMC in Conway to celebrate a new commercial refrigerator that will allow more food to be given through the Sharing Fridge program. Volunteers provide manpower for the program.

“There are many food-insecure individuals and families in our community,” said volunteer Kathy Wyrick. “The Sharing Fridge provides them with prepared food dishes at no cost. It is the perfect place to leave leftovers from homes and restaurants throughout our community.” About 100 people are fed daily from a new commercial, outdoor refrigerator on the Salem UMC campus at 1018 Salem Road.

Seven years ago, Pastor Todd Vick saw a video about a refrigerator placed outside where people could access meals at any hour of the day, according to Charlotte Hampton Jones. He dreamed of such a place in Conway—in fact, he dreamed of seeing multiple locations throughout the city. The key concept is that local businesses donate excess food rather than throwing it in a dumpster, thereby eliminating waste and feeding people who are hungry. 

Although Vick has moved to another Central Arkansas church, his dream continues to flourish under Salem UMC’s current pastor, Peaches Smith, who calls the members of the two churches she serves “difference makers who are making a difference for Jesus.” Three to four times a day, volunteers work to ensure that the refrigerator, a separate freezer, and an area for canned foods are stocked. Volunteers do not need to be members of the church to serve.

On June 6, a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the purchase of a new, commercial fridge. Smith and project volunteers hope that the ceremony will reignite the community’s awareness of the project, which supports around 100 people each day. 

Local restaurants, grocery stores and other churches with excess food donate to the cause—and more donors are needed. Some donated items are non-perishable, but the majority include ready-made meals, bread, sweets, and sometimes, milk and eggs. Donations from individuals are also needed and welcome. Besides providing food, members are often asked to pray for or with someone at the fridge.

Smith said the church’s dream is for more Sharing Fridges to develop, and that members are ready to help anyone who wishes to get the program off the ground. Learn more on Facebook at The Sharing Fridge or call the church at 501.327.2884.