A fridge and pantry at the Ferguson Family YMCA aims to reduce food insecurity, minimize food waste and provide anyone in need with free access to fresh food, April 28, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Greater Green Bay YMCA is hoping to make a difference with a new community resource program that launched Tuesday.
Outside the Ferguson Family YMCA, on the Pine Street side of the building, now sits a refrigerator and pantry that will be stocked with donated food and beverages. It was created in partnership with The Fridge, operated by the nonprofit Joannes Park Neighborhood Association.
“At its core, The Fridge is simple: Take what you need, give what you can. But the impact goes far beyond that. It creates a space rooted in dignity and trust and belonging,” said Rachael Trimble-VandenHogen, the adaptive services and support director for the YMCA. “This initiative is all about increasing access to food, reducing stigma and making sure people in the community get what they need, when they need it.”
The mission of The Fridge is to reduce food insecurity, minimize food waste and provide anyone in need with free access to fresh food.
“We know there are many families that utilize this downtown YMCA, the Ferguson Family YMCA, but there are others in the community that just make this location very accessible for those who might be in need,” said The Fridge co-founder Alyssa Proffitt.
If you are able to give at all — that’s what makes this resource so fabulous, not only for the neighbors in need, but for the neighbors who are able to give as well.
According to data provided by the YMCA and The Fridge, approximately 30% of food in the United States is wasted each year. An estimated 11% of households in Brown County experience food insecurity.
The YMCA location is The Fridge’s third. The two others are at Joannes Park (315 S. Baird Street) and Samaritan’s Heart Mission Church (520 S. Oakland Avenue).
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