Background
- In 2019 private households generated about 40% of the 66 million tons of food wasted annually in the U.S.
- Food waste produces 11% of the world’s emissions of greenhouse gasses, and production of wasted food uses irreplaceable water and energy.
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An estimated 1.2 million (14.6%) of New York City residents are food insecure. The Bronx has the highest rate at 19.7%.
The Bayit's Response
The Bayit has formed a food rescue program called Bayit Bounty to:
- Support donations of leftover foods from events (only in consultation with clergy or Bayit staff.)
- Donate to ensure that the correct supplies are available for food donations, click here.
- Educate the membership to do the same with leftovers from their own Simcha, Shabbat, Chag, shiva, and even weekday meals.
What You Can Do:
- Volunteer: Package leftovers that the shul has asked us to donate on their behalf and drive the meals to the fridges.
Please note: Our volunteers may deliver food only in consultation with clergy or Bayit staff. -
Pack and deliver your own food to the three Community Fridges.
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Donate carrier bags to Bayit Bounty to use to bring the packaged food containers to the fridges and then to reuse (Fresh Direct bags are great).
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Donate money to HIR Bayit Bounty to enable the purchasing of containers needed for the program’s food distribution. Please donate here.
For more information and to sign up for Bayit Bounty collection, please contact us helpinghands@thebayit.org.
Community Fridges
Food Packaging Instructions:
- Please pack your leftovers into sturdy small (one or two servings per container) that click closed; best are those with transparent tops (so people won’t search through them). Microwavable plastic is a plus, foil bottoms (but not tops) are acceptable.
- Labeled zip lock bags for fresh fruits and vegetables are good. No Saran Wrap except on single bagels.
- If using compostable containers that are not transparent, use a marking pen to write on each package to indicate the contents (e.g., “chicken and rice”, “green beans”,), and the date of preparation or defrosting.
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Each Fridge has its own rules for donors and users, posted at the Fridge. They all ask that you donate nutritious, fresh foods. They also kindly request that you help keep the fridge clean by cleaning up any spills, and throwing out obviously spoiled or any outdated food that you see.
There are 3 neighborhood community fridges to donate food to:
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The "Friendly Fridge BX"
Manhattan College Parkway where it meets Post Road
Hours: Open 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (“Snack Box” contains quick food overnight.)
Email: thefriendlyfridgebx@gmail.com
Website: www.friendlyfridgefoundation.or
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The Riverdale Neighborhood House (RNH) Community FridgeOn Mosholu Avenue at 256th Street, on the corner, across from the Library.Hours: Fridge is Open 24/7Email: ncruz@riverdaleonline.org
Website:www.riverdaleonline.org/volunteer/#volunteer-with-theneighborhoodfridge
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The Riverdale Community Fridge453 W. 238th Street, near Greystone Ave., next to An Beal Bocht Café, across from the post office. Bright pink, can’t miss it.Hours: 24/7 for now, may changeEmail: Raidirys.r@gmail.com
Mon, December 2 2024 1 Kislev 5785