'Suwon Community Refrigerator' Provides Warmth of Sharing at 42 Locations Citywide

Throughout Suwon, there are refrigerators that anyone can use together—anyone can place food in them, and those who need food can take what they need. This is the 'Suwon Community Refrigerator' being built by Suwon City in partnership with civil society.

It is a 'Love, Sharing, and Community Project' that establishes a 'food network' to create an environment where local residents can care for those in need on their own.

In 2018, the Suwon Sustainable Development Cooperation first installed one in Gwonseon-gu, and over eight years it has grown steadily through word-of-mouth. Now 42 community refrigerators operate across the city. By expanding hub locations centered around residential areas, the city has created a foundation for citizens to participate in food sharing from nearby locations.

Items that can be placed in the community refrigerators include vegetables and other food ingredients, fruits, side dishes, processed foods like canned goods, frozen foods, beverages, grains, bread, and rice cakes. Only foods with at least three days remaining on their expiration dates can be shared.

Those who need food can simply take items from the refrigerator without any separate application process.

The 'Geunyang Dream' program, launched by the Ministry of Health and Welfare last December, is similar in concept. 'Geunyang Dream' is a 'basic food guarantee' corner that people facing sudden financial crises or other difficulties can use without complicated application procedures. It currently operates at approximately 300 establishments nationwide.

In Suwon, it has been operated at Hanuriwood Food Market (86 Maesan-ro, Paldal-gu) since May 8. It offers basic food items such as grains, noodles, and bread, as well as daily necessities.

The 'Geunyang Dream' at Hanuriwood Food Market operates from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (excluding public holidays). Any citizen in need of support due to sudden crisis situations or similar circumstances can use it. Items and necessities valued at approximately 20,000 won are provided. Citizens visiting for the first time undergo self-assessment before collecting items; on the second visit, they receive basic counseling, and if it is determined that professional welfare services are needed, they are connected to such services.

An official from Suwon City said, "The Suwon Community Refrigerator is a precious initiative that practices warm sharing between neighbors and revitalizes community culture. We will make efforts to further spread sustainable sharing culture."