Residents of Germantown will have the opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked meal and meet their neighbors this Saturday, June 21, at Neighbors Table, an event hosted by Germantown Community Fridge at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown.
The ongoing, monthly event strives to feed and unite community members. The meal will be served from noon-2 p.m.
"People come out and share space," said Christine Schaeffer, speaking to the Local via phone while picking up groceries for the event. Schaeffer heads the cooking program at Germantown Community Fridge. She’s also responsible for leading the team that prepares meals for the Fridge and its events.
Emphasizing the isolation many have felt since the COVID-19 lockdowns, Schaeffer sees events like Neighbors Table as vital for fostering connections in the local community. "A lot of times, these people don't know each other," she said. "Some of the people have met [at the event] and you see them come back together the next time."
Neighbors Table began unofficially when Schaeffer and other Community Fridge volunteers organized a communal meal in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January. Despite a snow and ice storm that hampered attendance, organizers recognized the need such events could fill for Germantown residents. Since February, the event has become a staple in the Fridge's monthly calendar.
With the goal of serving a nourishing, homemade meal in mind, volunteers prepare a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and vegetarian options. Attendees are welcome to dine in with their neighbors, or take some food to go. Leftover food is donated to the community fridges located at 20 W. Armat St. and 19 E. High St.
Started in the midst of the pandemic in 2020, the Germantown Community Fridge is one of many projects throughout the country that strives to address food scarcity in their neighborhoods. Other community fridges throughout Philadelphia include locations in Mt. Airy and East Falls. There are over 30 community fridges located in the city, per Philly Food Rescue.
"You have to figure out what the need actually is," Schaeffer said when considering what steps aspiring organizers can take to help their own communities. She also identified the importance of working together, saying, "I couldn't do this without all the other people giving up their time. "It's the community fridge, so it belongs to the community."
The Fridge is always seeking volunteers to cook, pick up groceries and help organize events.
Neighbors Table will continue throughout the summer, with meals scheduled for July 19 and August 16. All events will occur at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown, located at 6001 Germantown Ave. For more information, visit germantowncommunityfridge.com, or follow them on Instagram, @germantownfridge.
