MAYOR'S MESSAGE A Community Fridge, A Community That Cares One of the things that makes Coos Bay special is the way neighbors come together to support one another. A wonderful example of that spirit can be found at the Coos Bay Public Library, where the Community Fridge provides free, fresh food to anyone who needs it. The Community Fridge is a partnership between the Coos Bay Public Library and The Beet Food Systems, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to improving food security, supporting local agriculture, and providing food education throughout our region. Since the program began in 2022, it has become one of the community's busiest and most successful food access programs. According to Executive Director Tim Bulster, the fridge is available during library hours—46 hours each week—and serves approximately 75 people every day. The program is coordinated by Community Fridge Coordinator Scott Gregory, along with a dedicated team of 10 to 15 volunteers. Together, they keep the refrigerator stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables purchased through grant funding, with a focus on supporting our local farms whenever possible. Produce comes from farms such as Valley Flora Farm, Pansy Lane Farm, Happy Dirt Veggie Patch, Hartnell Haven Farm, and others throughout the growing season. Additional food is purchased from South Coast Food Share to ensure a consistent supply. One of the things I appreciate most about this program is its simplicity and dignity. There are no qualifications or paperwork required—the Community Fridge exists for everyone in our community. Whether someone is facing temporary hardship, stretching their grocery budget, or simply needs a little extra help, fresh food is available without barriers. It's also important to recognize that this program strengthens more than food security. By purchasing produce from local farms, the Community Fridge helps support our local agricultural economy while providing healthy, nutritious food to our neighbors. It's a model that benefits everyone. Programs like this don't happen by accident. They rely on strong partnerships, generous grant funding, and volunteers who generously give their time. If you're interested in getting involved, there are opportunities to volunteer, make a financial contribution, or donate homegrown fruits and vegetables during the harvest season. On behalf of the City of Coos Bay, I want to thank The Beet Food Systems, the Coos Bay Public Library, Scott Gregory, Tim Bulster, the many volunteers, and our local farming community for making this valuable resource possible. Your work reflects the compassion and community spirit that make Coos Bay such a wonderful place to call home. To learn more about the Community Fridge or how you can support the program, visit https://thebeetfsc.org/ -Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos BayPhotos from Coos Bay - City Government's post