A pair of popular podcast personalities from the Bronx are raising awareness to help to end hunger in the five boroughs ahead of World Food Day on Saturday.
Desus & Mero, who host one of the biggest late-night talk shows, are partnering with food rescue organization City Harvest to help end food insecurity.
"Even if you're not food insecure, to actually think about your next-door neighbor that might be and leave, you know, share what you can," says Asmeret Berhe-Lumax, the founder of One Love Community. "So, it's about sharing and understanding that we're all the same."
Organizers told News 12 the One Love Community Fridge is a part of a citywide effort to assist those who deal with food insecurity daily. The fridge is just one of dozens in the city this week being restocked with food from their partnership with City Harvest, New York Forever and Desus & Mero.
"You have all these people in need and these community fridges have popped up throughout all of New York City," says City Harvest's Jenique Jones. "There was no way that we were going to say no to the opportunity to fill 80 fridges across five boroughs, 200 pounds each fridge, ensuring that members of the community get to eat."
The initiative by all the parties involved, dubbed "Comida Gratis," is the first effort to fill every citizen's fridge over the weekend. Residents are applauding the effort as families continue to navigate the pandemic.
"It's important because they're giving out healthy food, and a lot of people during the pandemic are not getting quality food and healthy food to eat. So, I think it helps the families with meals for the children," says Denoras Reid of Clinton Hill.
Reid says she's going to take what she needs from those helping her out, and that she's looking forward to her next meal.
"I'm going to bake me an apple pie and the potatoes, I'll make potato salad. It helps a lot. It goes a long way," Reid says.