This Community Fridge in Mumbai Is Helping Feed The Hungry & Homeless

As the bell chimes loudly at the Shiv Temple in Versova, an elderly woman hobbles towards the temple’s gates, briefly stopping by the flower vendor, who nods at her amiably and hands her a small packet. She opens it, takes the fresh red flowers, and braids it onto the little girl’s head, who has accompanied her thus far. They say their prayers, ring the resounding bell, and then walk to the left, into a quieter corner—straight to the Community Fridge. She opens it, takes an apple and a banana, and they’re off.

That’s all there is to it, really. No frills, no fuss. The Versova Welfare Association aimed to do exactly this, when they installed the Community Fridge outside the temple. “We were inspired by a hotel in Kerala that kept a fridge outside, stocked with food that was normally leftover. We immediately decided to do the same, maintaining the fact that the needy needn’t beg anymore. If they truly need food, they can have some without begging,” said Dr. Kshitij Mehta, secretary of the Versova Welfare Association.

The 3-tier fridge is looked after by two of the temple’s staff, Vitthal Gosavi and Achal Gupta, who ensure the food is properly stored, as well as served. While most times, the donations are in small packets, or pre-packed portions, restaurants send in entire vessels of food! Gopal Hegde, the association’s president, whose parents donated the fridge, explains, “Within the first month, when we started in January, there was quite a bit of interest. In fact, Gongurra, a restaurant around the corner sends in authentic Andra Pradeshi food, daily. We get plenty of sambhar, and sometimes, if the rice isn’t enough, Vitthal gives us a call to let us know we may need more rice.”

While their initiative runs from 7am to 11pm, they see several visitors, as well as donations, giving food items like fruit, milk, water, rice, dal, fried rice, samosas, and so on. Sometimes, they even get donations of buttermilk and ice cream, which is a huge hit (obviously) with the street kids. “I’m from around the area, and lots of people come to take food from the fridge. It’s been such a big help for us all here,” says Rachmi whilst giving us a toothy grin, an old lady who owns a little stall near the mandir. A few more people nod in agreement, before they all go about their own ways. A seemingly small step by this association, unknowingly spurned off two more community fridges—one in Oshiwara, and the other in Andheri East.

As of now, the Association is typing up with delivery services (like Grab), who can help pick up leftovers and bring it to the fridge, to make this even easier for people to donate. If you’d like to help this cause, drop by the Shiv Temple in Versova, they’d be more than happy!

If you have more questions, or are interested in supporting this cause in other ways, you can reach out to the Versova Welfare Association here.

All Images Courtesy Sacha Estelles.