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A free, community food program has opened at the nonprofit Second Harvest Community Thrift Store in Sharpsburg.

The Community Free Fridge is an outdoor, full-size refrigerator, freezer and pantry area, stocked with perishable and nonperishable donated food items available to anyone who needs them. It is open 24/7 every day and located in the parking lot area of Second Harvest, at 624 Clay Street.

“We ask that people take what they need, and leave what they don’t,” said Bonnie DeMotte, executive director at Second Harvest. “Much as the same way the thrift store is stocked with material goods donated by the community, the CFF is stocked with perishable and nonperishable items.”

Sponsored by the Lauri Ann West Community Center in O’Hara and Second Harvest, it launched on July 25, and Second Harvest officials hosted an official grand opening on Aug. 16.

“The fridge will fill a gap in Sharpsburg. Some residents lack access to affordable, healthy food options — especially fresh produce,” DeMotte said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture labels Sharpsburg as a food desert, defined as a low-income geographic area with large share of residents who don’t have convenient access to a large grocery store or supermarket.

Individuals, groups and businesses are encouraged to donate produce, prepared meals and pantry staples to the Community Free Fridge. The pantry is well-stocked with donations of nonperishable items, DeMotte said.

“We are in need of fridge and freezer items. Prepared meals, dairy and frozen meats is a big need,” DeMotte said.

Items sought include sealed, prepared meals; meat; seafood; fruits; vegetables; breads; pastries; dairy products; and eggs. Donations are accepted at the Lauri Ann West Community Center located at 1220 Powers Run Road in O’Hara. People can also visit and donate at Second Harvest at any time.

“It’s like a thrift store, you never know what’s gonna be in there,” DeMotte said.

Not accepted for donation include expired items, unlabeled or open packages and alcoholic beverages.

Installing the Community Free Fridge cost about $10,000. It was financed by Second Harvest; Deep Local, a creative design and technology company based in Sharpsburg; and Fox Families Care, a local, volunteer charitable agency.

“We’re thrilled to help support Second Harvest financially with a donation,” said Sara Schlegel of Deep Local.

“It is very heavily utilized,” DeMotte said of the CFF. “Many of our local shoppers who are in the thrift store are just coming right out here to meet their food needs.”

Cousins Debby DeMarco of Sharpsburg and Angela Thompson of Oakmont were shopping Aug. 16 at Second Harvest and noticed the new food pantry.

“Wow. Someone could make a whole dinner for their family,” Thompson said. “I love it. It’s awesome. A lot of people are struggling with food costs right now.”

Regular CFF shopper Josephine Paese, 84, of Sharpsburg and selects items almost daily from the new pantry.

“I like to get coffee. It’s so expensive,” Paese said.

DeMotte stressed there are no strings attached for folks looking to select food items.

“It’s a dignified experience,” she said.

Joyce Hanz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Joyce by email at jhanz@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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