Leave what you can, take what you need: community fridges in Visakhapatnam from August 15

Visakhapatnam city police have launched another community-driven initiative to ensure that no one in the city goes to bed hungry, by setting up ‘community fridges’.

On a pilot basis, the fridges are being installed at Asilmetta, Jagadamba Junction, Maddilapalem, Gopalapatnam and Gajuwaka, where members of the public can donate surplus fresh food. People in need can take the food from the fridges free of cost.

A constable holds open one of the community fridges set up by the Visakhapatnam city police on Thursday. The scheme, for donated food, will be launched on Independence Day.
| Photo Credit:
V. Raju

Speaking to The Hindu, Commissioner of Police Shanka Brata Bagchi said the project would be formally launched on August 15, Independence Day. The project is aimed at encouraging community participation in addressing hunger and ensuring that surplus food reaches those who need it most.

“People can place fresh food in the community fridges, while those in need can take it,” Mr. Bagchi said. He said only fresh and safe-to-consume food should be donated, to prevent any health risks to beneficiaries.

He said arrangements were being made to monitor the fridges and ensure their proper functioning. CCTV cameras are being installed at the locations, and police personnel will be deployed to oversee the facilities.

Mr. Bagchi said the response to the pilot would be assessed before extending the programme to more locations across the city.

The community fridges initiative is part of the Visakhapatnam city police’s broader focus on community-oriented policing and services for vulnerable sections.

The city police had earlier launched ‘Operation Jyothirgamayee’, aimed at identifying and assisting destitute persons. Under it, thousands of vulnerable people were traced and assisted. Some were sheltered at GVMC night shelters, while others were reunited with their families or admitted to hospitals for treatment. It also helped several people find employment, and was intended to restore their dignity and provide them with an opportunity to lead meaningful lives.

“Seeing people begging or sleeping on the streets was heart-wrenching. No one should have to beg to survive. Every human being deserves to live with dignity,” Mr. Bagchi said.