KENDALL, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new resource to combat food insecurity is coming to Kendall.

Sustainable Connections says it’s opening a community fridge at the Whatcom County Library System’s North Fork Library on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

The no-cost refrigerated pantry – called a Freedge – is the third one to be installed in the area, joining other Freedges near the RE Store in Bellingham and the Upper Skagit Library in Concrete. They’re stocked with excess food from farms, restaurants and other businesses in a system that reduces food waste and repurposes it to those in need.

According to Sustainable Connections, food waste accounts for nearly 30% of the solid waste stream in Whatcom County, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when decomposed in landfills.

The nonprofit group says it chose to install its newest Freedge in Kendall due to higher levels of food insecurity in the area; 70% of students at Kendall Elementary qualify for free or reduced lunch.

You can find more information on Freedges, including how to volunteer or donate food, here.