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Free Food Fridge ("Freedge") and Pantry
About
In Fall 2024, Anabel’s collaborated with the Basic Needs Coalition, Food Recovery Network, Cornell Progressives, and Dilmun Hill Student Farm to launch a free food fridge (a “Freedge”) in Anabel Taylor Hall Room 120. The Freedge stocks excess food from campus cafes and leftover food from campus events to prevent it from being wasted. We estimate that the Freedge has provided over 3000 meals to those who need them. The Anabel's team then added a Free Food Pantry right next to the Freedge in Fall 2025.
The Freedge and Free Food Pantry are now co-managed by members of the Food Recovery Network and Basic Needs Coalition. If you're interested in volunteering to help stock and maintain the Freedge or Pantry or have any questions about their maintenance, please contact cornellfreefoodfridge@gmail.com.
FAQs
Where is the Freedge and Free Food Pantry?
The Freedge is located on the first floor of Anabel Taylor Hall, Room 120.
When can I access the Freedge and Free Food Pantry?
The Freedge and Free Food Pantry are open anytime that Anabel Taylor Hall is open, which is typically from 8am to 11pm every day. However, Anabel Taylor Hall sometimes closes for important events (e.g. Commencement) or holidays. For the most up-to-date building hours, check Anabel Taylor Hall's hours online before you go!
Who donates food to these resources?
Donations come from on-campus cafes and generous members of the Cornell community.
Who can take food from the Freedge and Free Food Pantry?
Any Cornell student, faculty, and staff member can enjoy food from the Freedge and Free Food Pantry!
What foods can I donate?
Accepted items include:
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Pre-packaged, shelf-stable non-perishables (baked goods, dry cereals)
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Whole fruits and vegetables
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Unopened, packaged perishables (eggs in cartons, meats, commercially packaged meals)
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Home-cooked meals (must be properly labeled with date, description, and allergens)
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Leftover food from events (ONLY if it has been left out less than 2 hours at room temperature)
Items NOT accepted include:
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Opened packages
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Non-labeled foods
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Uncovered foods (unless it’s whole, uncut produce)
I want to donate food to the Freedge or Free Food Pantry! What should I do?
Once you arrive, please label your food with appropriate allergens, donation date, and when the food was prepared (if known). Use the labeling stickers and markers on the shelves next to the Freedge to do so.
We also encourage you to post about your donation on the Cornell Free Food GroupMe, which has over 3000 Cornellians on it. This will allow for the food to be taken swiftly, before it spoils. You can join the GroupMe here.
What happens to old food in the Freedge?
Food is typically composted about 3-5 days after the donation date, though timing may vary depending on the food type. By keeping food out of landfills, we’re reducing food waste and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
For a more detailed list of safe storage times for various refrigerated foods, check out: USDA Refrigeration and Food Safety Guidelines.
What are your food safety and cleaning guidelines?
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First in, first out: Oldest items are placed closer to the front.
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Checked every two days by Food Recovery Network and Basic Needs Coalition student volunteers to update donation statuses, reorganize, check labels, remove expired food, and clean spills
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Weekly deep clean
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Food is kept at or below 40°F
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