BUCKLAND — After a couple of years of closures and relocation, the Shelburne Falls Community Fridge has a new home next to Buckland Town Hall and will be loaded with food on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

The motto is “take what you need, leave what you can,” according to volunteer Gayle Davidson, with the goal being to provide 24/7 food access for those in need.

Shelburne Falls previously had a community refrigerator outside Keystone Market in 2021, but it was closed due to multiple challenges, including weather, electricity, the COVID-19 pandemic and an unfortunate run-in with a snow plow.

Davidson said that during the 10 months the fridge was open, it proved to be incredibly popular, with food flying off the shelves and community members rushing to donate just as quickly. She and other residents knew they had to get another fridge up and running, and at long last, they have been able to get a new fridge set up. The concept has been expanded to include a freezer and pantry, too.

“We really have a food-insecure community,” Davidson said.

An April impact report from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts noted that 9% of Franklin County residents struggle with food insecurity. Davidson added there is a limited number of food pantries to support this population, hence the construction of a new community fridge and pantry.

The new fridge was made possible through the volunteer work of dozens of community partners, including businesses, restaurants and grocery stores, the town of Buckland and nonprofit Common Good, which has been funding community fridges since it opened its first one in Greenfield in 2013. The organization has gone on to fund dozens of fridges around the county, including the new Shelburne Falls Community Fridge, located between Buckland Town Hall and Buckland Pizza in the town’s new picnic alley.

Davidson said the picnic alley was built roughly the same time as the pantry and fridge cubby, and was made possible through a partnership with the town.

Town Administrator Heather Butler said Buckland was able to secure a few state grants, including a Shared Streets and Spaces Grant in 2021 that allowed the town to purchase several picnic tables, pergolas and string lights.

The town will also be providing electricity to power the fridge.

“The community fridge is a very welcome and much-needed amenity for the residents of Buckland and Shelburne Falls, and we are thrilled to be hosting it,” Butler said.

Davidson said when they were planning the new fridge, the team of community members decided they needed a bigger pantry and freezer space, and local business owner Zack Livingston volunteered to build the structure.

A grand opening for the fridge, during which donations will be accepted and put on the shelves, has been scheduled for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Davidson said all are welcome, whether it is to donate, pick up some groceries or just to enjoy time with the community.

To purchase credits through Common Good that will help fill the fridge with food from local businesses, visit commongood.earth.

Reach Madison Schofield at 413-930-4579 or mschofield@recorder.com.