A community initiative in Turin is addressing food security through a simple yet powerful concept: Frigo di Quartiere (Neighbourhood Fridge).
Frigo di Quartiere places fridges in the neighbourhood, providing residents facing food insecurities with free, healthy food. Community members work with local shops to collect and distribute fresh food nearing expiration to families without access to healthy food.
Beyond food distribution, the fridge locations have become hubs for educational events, cooking workshops and discussions on health and social issues.
Starting with a small-scale pilot in 2002, the programme has expanded and now reaches at-risk groups in several city districts. The food and activities at each fridge are tailored to meet the needs of the people it will serve. In one local neighbourhood, the focus is on foreign citizens, while other areas prioritise elderly residents and vulnerable adults.
The initiative empowers residents to collectively address one of the more pressing social determinants of health – access to healthy food.
In Turin, where residents in lower-income areas live up to five years less than those in wealthier areas and are disproportionately affected by chronic health issues, Frigo di Quartiere is making a real difference. By ensuring that everyone in the community has access to fresh, healthy food, these neighbourhood fridges help close the health equity gap.
The success of Frigo di Quartiere is fuelled by collaboration between local organisations, public institutions, and community residents working together to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable residents and build a stronger, more empowered community fighting to improve urban health equity.
