More Free Food Fridges Popping Up Across Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC. — This fridge is hard to miss.

“My favorite flower is the sunflower. I feel like that’s our stamp. Every time you see a sunflower on a fridge, you know that that’s us,” says Shamelle Jackson.

Jackson started Da Village Pop-Up shop three years ago. It provides food for anyone in need. Her first one at East 7th and North College Street was vandalized in July. Despite the setback, her effort is getting major attention.

“Sometimes I don’t even open the messages because it’s just so overwhelming. I don’t want the fridges to become overwhelming either.”

After Jackson shared her story with WCCB three weeks ago, she says people have been offering to donate fridges and food. She has five fridges. One is being placed along South Boulevard tomorrow. Another is in front of Oh My Soul in NoDa. Jackson says the restaurant offered to place their fridge in front. They also fill it with food.

“I’m hoping from people saying that, other establishments will say we want one here. That’s our goal.”

The former homeless mother of four says the future of the free food fridges is bright.