Helping to Feed Those in Need
Regina nursing students partner with community organizations on the creation of a community fridge.
“He has truly embraced the art of community nursing by partnering with the community to identify their needs, laying the groundwork for action, and working with the stakeholders to assist in putting the plan into action.”
Nicole Williamson is an Instructor with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing in Regina. Above, she is describing Derek Wensley, a fourth year nursing student who is spearheading the community fridge project in Regina’s Heritage neighbourhood.
“Food insecurity is an issue for many people in Regina and although Derek was aware there was already one community fridge and a few more being talked about, he quickly determined there was also a need in the Heritage neighbourhood for one as well,” said Williamson. “The first community fridge that was established by Regina Community Fridge in December 2020 is being well utilized, but many of the people who use the fridge, walk to access the fridge, so it only serves the surrounding community.”
Community fridges are a relatively new concept, but a concept many neighbourhoods welcome with open arms, especially during a global pandemic where food insecurity has become a major concern. From Vancouver to Prince Edward Island and everywhere in between, these fridges are popping up and communities are stocking them with donated food to make sure locals don’t go hungry.
Derek is currently completing his community nursing placement at the Newo Yotina Friendship Centre, located in Regina’s Heritage neighbourhood. For the community fridge project, he is working with other forth year USask nursing students from his clinical group, as well as another group of USask nursing students completing their community clinical at Carmichael Outreach.
“The Newo Yotina Friendship Centre, Carmichael Outreach, the Heritage Helpers community volunteer group, and us, the USask nursing students, are working together to make the community fridge a reality,” said Derek. “By bringing a community fridge to the Heritage neighbourhood, we will be able to provide 24/7 access to a refrigerator for those in need. We envision the final space to be a small shed, with room for a refrigerator, possibly a freezer, and some pantry space.”
While the nursing students from both clinical placements are doing a lot of the leg work to get the fridge up and running, the staff at the Newo Yotina Friendship Centre are building the community partnerships and Carmichael Outreach is providing the physical location for the fridge.
“By locating the new community fridge in the Heritage neighbourhood, we are hoping the fridge will be stocked and managed by multiple people and businesses within the Heritage community, by the Heritage Helpers and ultimately, the wider Regina community,” said Derek.
The community fridge has received final approval, a fridge has been donated, and Derek, along with the Heritage Helpers, are looking for volunteers to assist with the construction of the shed. If you are interested in volunteering to help with construction, please contact Derek.
It is anticipated the Heritage community fridge will be available for use starting in April.
UPDATE: The community fridge in the Heritage community opened April 28th. Learn more here.