Every day Ron Rea thinks of ways he can keep fighting food insecurity in the Keweenaw Peninsula. He’s run the Calumet Free Fridge inside The Office Shop for many years. In the past two weeks, the fridge has been busier. But he knows fighting food insecurity in the community will stick around longer than the recent government shutdown.
When Rea opens The Office Shop, he greets people in need. And recently he greeted many more new faces.
and the stories that I’m hearing will just break your heart. The community has been amazing on stepping up and donating hundreds and hundreds of dollars and many items that can be sold to raise money for the Calumet Free Fridge. It’s just an amazing, amazing thing to be part of something that is truly providing miracles to so many. – Ron Rea, Director, Calumet Free Fridge
He says he often thinks of different ways to fight food insecurity. And he hopes to encourage the community to think of some ideas too. Recently the shop was gifted a fat-tire bike, that will support the pantry.
And there was a young man probably in his mid 20s. He came in and he said, you know, I bought this bike about a month ago, paid $900 for the bike. He said, I’ve been blessed. I want to give this bike to the Calumet Free Fridge so you can sell it. Hopefully you can raise $900, maybe more. And then that will buy food for hundreds of people in need. – Ron Rea, Director, Calumet Free Fridge
Rea hopes to encourage the area’s youth and school districts to even get involved with solving challenges. An idea he recently posted on the free fridge’s facebook page, could help start after school clubs and fight food insecurity.
Why can’t Dollar Bay take on Jeffers? Why can’t Michigan Tech take on Northern? And let’s carry this one step further. Calumet Electronics will challenge Coppers. You’ve got Aspirus challenging Portage. Now these are all fun challenges that benefit so many people. mean, I’m seeing 700 people now a month, 60 people a day. – Ron Rea, Director, Calumet Free Fridge
But even a small gesture, he adds, can make a big difference. And Rea encourages people in the community with the ability to purchase an extra item or two at the grocery store. Pick up a box of pasta or can of vegetables. And drop off a donation at a local pantry.
We have to have people to step up. I can come up with as many ideas as I can. My head’s full of ideas. I love it because it’s fun to try to imagine something that hasn’t happened yet and then see it happen. mean, everybody knew that it was impossible to run a four-minute mile. People can’t. They couldn’t do it. And then in 1951, one person ran a four-minute mile. And then 18 months later, 23 people ran a four minute mile. Just because it hasn’t been done yet doesn’t mean it can’t be done. – Ron Rea, Director, Calumet Free Fridge
Those interested in getting in touch with Ron Rea and the calumet free fridge and want to organize a fundraising or donation drive can contact Rea through the Calumet Free Fridge Facebook page. The Calumet Free Fridge runs from 7:30 am to 4pm Monday through Friday. Rea says anyone in need can walk in, no questions asked and pick up the items they need. Learn more about other pantries and food assistance programs in the Copper Country below.
Husky Food Access Network (HuskyFAN)
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly
