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| See That Fridge on the Sidewalk? It’s Full of Free Food | See That Fridge on the Sidewalk? It’s Full of Free Food |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| A lonely refrigerator sits on a Bronx sidewalk at 242nd Street and Broadway. It’s not trash. | A lonely refrigerator sits on a Bronx sidewalk at 242nd Street and Broadway. It’s not trash. |
| Painted in bright yellows, purples, oranges and blues, the fridge has “Free Food” written in bubble letters across its freezer, with the same in Spanish, “Comida Gratis,” on its side. | Painted in bright yellows, purples, oranges and blues, the fridge has “Free Food” written in bubble letters across its freezer, with the same in Spanish, “Comida Gratis,” on its side. |
| Selma Raven makes good on that promise. She doesn’t ask prodding questions of those who visit the fridge. She sometimes chats as she disinfects the unit, which is plugged into a socket inside of a restaurant, and stocks it with fresh produce and ready-made meals. | Selma Raven makes good on that promise. She doesn’t ask prodding questions of those who visit the fridge. She sometimes chats as she disinfects the unit, which is plugged into a socket inside of a restaurant, and stocks it with fresh produce and ready-made meals. |
| “We don’t know everyone's story,” Ms. Raven said. “We’re really just trusting them.” | “We don’t know everyone's story,” Ms. Raven said. “We’re really just trusting them.” |
| Community-led, free-food refrigerators, sometimes nicknamed “friendly fridges,” have been popping up on city sidewalks since February. | Community-led, free-food refrigerators, sometimes nicknamed “friendly fridges,” have been popping up on city sidewalks since February. |
| When the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home orders halted New York City’s economy, many residents — some suddenly out of work, and others sick with the illness — struggled to fill their own refrigerators. The Bronx, where Ms. Raven lives, suffered the city’s highest rates of virus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. | When the coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home orders halted New York City’s economy, many residents — some suddenly out of work, and others sick with the illness — struggled to fill their own refrigerators. The Bronx, where Ms. Raven lives, suffered the city’s highest rates of virus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. |
| At community refrigerators, anyone is welcome to take whatever they want and leave behind food they don’t need, like extra produce. Many volunteers who clean and stock the refrigerators daily ask local restaurants and stores to donate unused or unsold food items instead of throwing them away. | At community refrigerators, anyone is welcome to take whatever they want and leave behind food they don’t need, like extra produce. Many volunteers who clean and stock the refrigerators daily ask local restaurants and stores to donate unused or unsold food items instead of throwing them away. |
| The goals are simple: Reduce food waste and feed the community. | The goals are simple: Reduce food waste and feed the community. |
| Food insecurity and waste have plagued both New Yorkers and the environment long before the pandemic. In the city, about two million people, or one in every four New Yorkers, are food insecure. | Food insecurity and waste have plagued both New Yorkers and the environment long before the pandemic. In the city, about two million people, or one in every four New Yorkers, are food insecure. |
| About 30 percent of the country’s food supply is wasted, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. | About 30 percent of the country’s food supply is wasted, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. |
| A network of New Yorkers collaborating with In Our Hearts, an activist group, have set up and maintained at least 14 fridges, which are plugged into local bodegas, restaurants or homes with permission. | A network of New Yorkers collaborating with In Our Hearts, an activist group, have set up and maintained at least 14 fridges, which are plugged into local bodegas, restaurants or homes with permission. |
| Ms. Raven decided to set up the friendly fridge in the Bronx’s Fieldston neighborhood on May 18, which is usually a somber day for her. Years ago, it was the day her son Michael, who was passionate about farming and feeding the hungry, died by suicide at 21. | Ms. Raven decided to set up the friendly fridge in the Bronx’s Fieldston neighborhood on May 18, which is usually a somber day for her. Years ago, it was the day her son Michael, who was passionate about farming and feeding the hungry, died by suicide at 21. |
| Her partner, Sara Allen, spotted a community fridge on Instagram and said it was “something Michael would’ve loved.” | Her partner, Sara Allen, spotted a community fridge on Instagram and said it was “something Michael would’ve loved.” |
| Mothers, home attendants, nursing assistants and the unemployed stop by the fridge to pick up food, Ms. Raven said. At first, some residents were skeptical; even cabdrivers told her it wouldn’t work. Now, they’re allies. | Mothers, home attendants, nursing assistants and the unemployed stop by the fridge to pick up food, Ms. Raven said. At first, some residents were skeptical; even cabdrivers told her it wouldn’t work. Now, they’re allies. |
| “No one should go hungry,” Ms. Raven said, quoting her son. | “No one should go hungry,” Ms. Raven said, quoting her son. |
| The volunteers who tend to many of the free-food refrigerators in New York communicate with one another on Signal, the encrypted messaging app, to coordinate the distribution of food from organizations like Universe City, an aquaponic farm and work space in Brownsville, Brooklyn. | The volunteers who tend to many of the free-food refrigerators in New York communicate with one another on Signal, the encrypted messaging app, to coordinate the distribution of food from organizations like Universe City, an aquaponic farm and work space in Brownsville, Brooklyn. |
| Universe City keeps a free fridge outside its building filled with cucumbers, celery and apples, said its executive director, Franklyn Mena, 31. | Universe City keeps a free fridge outside its building filled with cucumbers, celery and apples, said its executive director, Franklyn Mena, 31. |
| Without access to healthy food options, Mr. Mena said, people of color in lower-income communities like Brownsville develop a greater risk for illnesses, including diabetes. | Without access to healthy food options, Mr. Mena said, people of color in lower-income communities like Brownsville develop a greater risk for illnesses, including diabetes. |
| “The more we have control over how we produce the food, how we process the food, and how we distribute the food as a community, then we have a higher and greater chance for finding wellness solutions for our people,” Mr. Mena said. | “The more we have control over how we produce the food, how we process the food, and how we distribute the food as a community, then we have a higher and greater chance for finding wellness solutions for our people,” Mr. Mena said. |
| Thadeaus Umpster, an organizer with In Our Hearts, said that people have been giving away refrigerators through Instagram. | Thadeaus Umpster, an organizer with In Our Hearts, said that people have been giving away refrigerators through Instagram. |
| In February, Mr. Umpster set up the group’s first refrigerator in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He had snagged it from Craigslist for free, planning to put it in his building’s laundry room to store free food for weekend events. But it didn’t fit through the front door. | In February, Mr. Umpster set up the group’s first refrigerator in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He had snagged it from Craigslist for free, planning to put it in his building’s laundry room to store free food for weekend events. But it didn’t fit through the front door. |
| So he left it outside and used an extension cord to connect the fridge to the building’s power. He then filled it with produce. It was half-empty by the end of the day. | So he left it outside and used an extension cord to connect the fridge to the building’s power. He then filled it with produce. It was half-empty by the end of the day. |
| “The need is greater than I imagined,” Mr. Umpster said. | “The need is greater than I imagined,” Mr. Umpster said. |
| MelPaola Murillo, 32, said the refrigerator has helped relieve the stress of feeding herself and her 15-month-old son, Jonah Santiago. Ms. Murillo is a Honduran immigrant seeking asylum in the United States. | MelPaola Murillo, 32, said the refrigerator has helped relieve the stress of feeding herself and her 15-month-old son, Jonah Santiago. Ms. Murillo is a Honduran immigrant seeking asylum in the United States. |
| She is unable to work because she is waiting for a work permit, she said, and typically gets food through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC. But that is “not enough.” | She is unable to work because she is waiting for a work permit, she said, and typically gets food through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC. But that is “not enough.” |
| Updated July 15, 2020 | |
| The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization. | The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. | Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles. |
| A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. | A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico. |
| The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. | The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth. |
| The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. | The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave. |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| Ms. Murillo is comfortable using the friendly fridge outside of Mr. Umpster’s home: It is within walking distance from her apartment, she said, and she can check social media to see what items are there. Mr. Umpster sometimes texts her if baby food is available. | Ms. Murillo is comfortable using the friendly fridge outside of Mr. Umpster’s home: It is within walking distance from her apartment, she said, and she can check social media to see what items are there. Mr. Umpster sometimes texts her if baby food is available. |
| “Nobody’s coming outside to ask you questions about what you want, if you came yesterday,” Ms. Murillo said. “There’s no restrictions for if you go there, so you can get whatever you need.” | “Nobody’s coming outside to ask you questions about what you want, if you came yesterday,” Ms. Murillo said. “There’s no restrictions for if you go there, so you can get whatever you need.” |
| As the pandemic worsened in March and April, other people asked to get involved. It also seemed that the more refrigerators New Yorkers saw on social media like Instagram, the more new ones appeared. | As the pandemic worsened in March and April, other people asked to get involved. It also seemed that the more refrigerators New Yorkers saw on social media like Instagram, the more new ones appeared. |
| In recent weeks, Mr. Umpster has been distributing food to other fridges and answering calls from people across the world who want to start similar projects. | In recent weeks, Mr. Umpster has been distributing food to other fridges and answering calls from people across the world who want to start similar projects. |
| “We are trying to have a different type of relationship with people, a relationship between equals and not a hand out from a higher authority or privileged person,” Mr. Umpster said. | “We are trying to have a different type of relationship with people, a relationship between equals and not a hand out from a higher authority or privileged person,” Mr. Umpster said. |
| Similar public refrigerators exist around the world. Freedge.org, a database and network of free food refrigerators, lists dozens of “freedges,” including one at New York University. | Similar public refrigerators exist around the world. Freedge.org, a database and network of free food refrigerators, lists dozens of “freedges,” including one at New York University. |
| Playground Coffee Shop began a separate project of three Brooklyn refrigerators in early June. | Playground Coffee Shop began a separate project of three Brooklyn refrigerators in early June. |
| Chez Jean, 30, of the Bronx, recently set up a refrigerator in the borough’s Fordham Manor neighborhood. When Jean, a founder of Sovereign Earth Cares who uses “they” and “them” pronouns, asked about 20 local stores and supermarkets to plug in a refrigerator, all but one bodega, at the corner of West Kingsbridge and Jerome Avenue, said no. So that’s where it went. | Chez Jean, 30, of the Bronx, recently set up a refrigerator in the borough’s Fordham Manor neighborhood. When Jean, a founder of Sovereign Earth Cares who uses “they” and “them” pronouns, asked about 20 local stores and supermarkets to plug in a refrigerator, all but one bodega, at the corner of West Kingsbridge and Jerome Avenue, said no. So that’s where it went. |
| Jean’s goal is to get a refrigerator in “every possible space in the Bronx.” | Jean’s goal is to get a refrigerator in “every possible space in the Bronx.” |
| “There’s a huge need everywhere, you know?” Jean said. “I just believe people shouldn’t have to pay for food.” | “There’s a huge need everywhere, you know?” Jean said. “I just believe people shouldn’t have to pay for food.” |
| Some residents were surprised by the Fordham Manor friendly fridge, and at first many assumed there was a catch. Last month, when Jean first starting stocking the refrigerator, a group of young men asked what was happening. People don’t usually help this neighborhood, the men said. | Some residents were surprised by the Fordham Manor friendly fridge, and at first many assumed there was a catch. Last month, when Jean first starting stocking the refrigerator, a group of young men asked what was happening. People don’t usually help this neighborhood, the men said. |
| “Why are you doing this?” Jean recalled the men asking. | “Why are you doing this?” Jean recalled the men asking. |
| Jean, who knows what it’s like to be food insecure, responded, “Because I care.” | Jean, who knows what it’s like to be food insecure, responded, “Because I care.” |
| Stephanie Keith contributed reporting. | Stephanie Keith contributed reporting. |