Parkdale Food Centre shuts down outdoor community fridge, citing racism and homophobia

Through rain and snow,the Parkdale Food Centre's outdoor community fridge has stood on Hintonburg'sRosemount Avenuesince the summer of 2021, offering those in need 24/7 anonymousaccess to free food.

The centre announced this week it has decided to shut it down due to an "increase in incidents."

The centre declined to comment on specifics of the incidents or the perpetrators behind them. In an email to CBC, director Alissa Campbell said that a "feeling of eroded safety and inclusivity has been felt across the community, not only by volunteers."

"Homophobia, sexism, ageism, ableism, xenophobia, racism, and in particularanti-Black and anti-Asian racism have no place in our community," the centrewrote in its announcement..

"Therealities of poverty are impacting people across the city, reflected in increased tensions and competition for food andfuelled desperate behaviours."

'It makes me frustrated'

Several people living and working nearby told CBCThursday theywere confused about the reasons given for the loss of the fridge.

Marjorie Peart has lived in the building across the street for over 13 years and said she's neverexperienced discrimination or racismwhile accessing the centre'sservices.

The outdoor community fridge in particular has been "very helpful," Peart said,and she'salways felt safe accessing it.

"The cupboard is very neatly set in by a carpenter. It's a unique concept, and we hoped it would stay a longer time," she said.

"There are many people who just can't eat other than there. Unfortunately, they're going to be very angry and hungry now."

Sally Meness lives in the neighbourhoodand said she has alsorelied on thefridge for food.

"It makes me frustrated,the fact that that somebody thwarted the effort of the whole community," she said. "It was just a blow to me."

Both Peart and Meness said they hoped the fridge would reopen soon.

BIA unaware of incidents

Dennis VanStaalduinen,executive director of the Wellington West Business Improvement Area (BIA), said while he was shocked by the closure, he was also unaware of any recent complaintsabout hateful or discriminatory acts involving the centre.

"Anytime there is an incident of any kind of hate or intolerance,we feel for our neighbours," he said, adding that the food centre is supported by many who live and work in the area.

"[But this hasn't] been an active thing on [the BIA's] radar."

James Choi, owner of coffee shopSharpfle Waffletwo buildings down from the centre, said he hasn't seen or experienced anything that would "cause concern" for himself or his employees.

"This is a good community, and it's been very welcoming regardless where you're from and what cultural background you are from," he said.

"It's a neighbourhood that values friendship and a sense of community."

Choi added that there needs to be a "community discussion" about ways to support the Parkdale Food Centre.

In its statement, the centre acknowledged that removing the fridge would create challenges, but said it was "committed to working with our community to find solutions and ensure continued access to food."

"Those at the intersection of multiple marginalizations are often most heavily impacted by these types of things," Campbell added."This was a difficult decision to make."

An indoor community fridge remains accessible, the centre said, and itsMino'Weesini grocery programrecently had its evening hours extended.