New Madison Community Freedge offers Free Food for All, 24/7
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Free Community Refrigerator
November 21, 2025 – Madison County now has a Free Community Refrigerator – a collaborative effort aimed at increasing access to fresh food, reducing waste, and supporting neighbors in need. This new resource is made possible through a partnership with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Madison County Center, the Madison County Health Department, My Sisters Place and volunteers like you!
“I’m thrilled to welcome the Freedge program to Madison County,” said Tammy Cody, Health Director of the Madison County Health Department. “Food insecurity remains one of our community’s biggest challenges, and this initiative will help get free, fresh, healthy foods—especially fruits and vegetables—to our residents. Programs like Freedge not only address hunger but also support long-term health by making nutritious options accessible 24/7. Far too many Madison County families still struggle to afford nutritious food. This program will offer a dignified, no-questions-asked way for residents to access fresh fruits, vegetables, and other items as they become available. This is a powerful tool for promoting both food security and better health across our community.”
Guided by the motto: “Take what you need for one meal, give what you can” the community refrigerator welcomes individuals and families to access fresh food whenever they need it. Community members, local farmers, gardeners, and businesses are encouraged to contribute fresh items to help keep the refrigerator stocked. Donation guidelines are posted on the refrigerator and listed below.
“We are excited to initiate this resource in Madison County as a simple, accessible way for neighbors to care for neighbors in a direct way,” said Jessica Mollet with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Madison County Center.
The Freedge is located at My Sisters Place, 3477 US Highway 213 in Marshall and is available 24/7 to everyone. My Sisters Place operates a well-known Thrift Store, which is known to have a little something for everyone. Their main mission is supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, which includes placing 100+ women and children in their safe house, presenting healthy relationship programs to students, and answering 800+ crisis calls annually.
For more information about donating food or getting involved with the Freedge Program, please contact:
Jessica Mollet, RDN, LDN
Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent
N.C. Cooperative Extension Madison County Center
258 Carolina Lane, Marshall
828.649.2411
jjmollet@ncsu.edu
Community Freedge Guidelines
Handling Food
- Do not handle food if you are sick.
- Only touch food that you are going to take home.
- It takes a community! Wipe up any spills or messes you create.
- The Freedge will be routinely monitored and food disposed of as appropriate.
- The Freedge is cleaned weekly.
Food Donations
Remember first in, first out! Newer items should be placed further back to avoid food going bad.
YES PLEASE!
- Washed fresh whole fruits and vegetables.
- Meals prepared and cooked in a commercial kitchen. Must be packaged individually, labeled, and dated.
- Frozen foods or ready-to-eat meals purchased in a supermarket or similar store, or made in a commercial kitchen.
- Baked goods from commercial donors. Items must be individually wrapped, labeled, and dated.
- Commercially-produced dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt etc.
- Commercially-produced fruit juices.
- Eggs with a use-by date (place on the bottom shelf).
- Cooked meat and fish products in meals from commercial kitchens.
NO THANKS.
- Foods that are temperature hot
(they take too long to cool). - Homemade meals or baked goods.
- Leftovers from events or restaurants.
- Packaged items without use-by date.
- Expired items.
- Unlabeled items.
- Unsealed or opened items.
- Anything you would not consume.
- Pet food.
- Anything unsafe for children.
- Cold cuts/deli meat, bacon, hot dogs, or sausages.
- Raw meat (beef, chicken, turkey, pork), fish, or seafood.