Ever since the free food fridge in New Paltz was established in 2021, the steady stream of donors and those in need who visited it was a testament to how valued it was as a resource. There are many other programs that exist to help people who are hungry, but this one doesn’t require any paperwork — just open it up and see what’s available to eat. All of that generosity is being put on pause, though, to develop a plan to address issues that have cropped up with the facility in front of the village hall. Signage on the fridge shed indicates that “this is a pause to . . . figure out how to move forward in a way that best serves our community,” with a likely reopening date in spring.
The service “worked surprisingly well for significant amount of time,” according to Mayor Tim Rogers. “I was regularly impressed by the people who made donations, and you’d see people come in and use it.” It was a “seamless operation for a few years,” and “went off without a hitch for longer than many of them do.”
However, issues eventually did arise. In recent months, some individuals experiencing homelessness have been camping just a few feet from the fridge. That led first to a lively social media debate about the discomfort some food donors and fridge users felt due to the sense that the food might be going to the same hungry people all the time, and reports by some individuals that included claims of harassment being solicited for money when in the vicinity. Organizers from Millions of Butterflies, the nonprofit through which the fridge was established and maintained, posted in September that those particular individuals had been charged with trespassing. However, they continued to sleep and keep the possessions nearby.
Rogers did not attribute problems to any particular individuals, but did cite the impacts of “camping,” which included an added strain on the portable toilet at Hasbrouck Park, as well as urination and defecation on village property. Staff members reportedly have stepped in human feces, which has led to a “loss of trust” by village employees.
“There’s also a significant rat problem, that’s getting worse and worse,” the mayor said. Nevertheless, Rogers added that Millions of Butterflies founder Mariabella Rivera-Todaro and other volunteers “should be commended for all their work.” For the future, though, there is a need for “a more concerted plan about who is doing what and when. Too much is falling between the cracks.”
In order to get that started, Rogers said there have been brainstorming sessions with Rivera-Todaro and Icilma Lewis from Family of New Paltz about how to manage these issues. Rogers called Lewis an “unbelievable resource for managing challenging situations,” and noted that all concerned reached the conclusion that “hitting reset” was appropriate.
Many others have stepped up to develop a plan for “fridge 2.0,” Rogers said, and the mayor is “confident it will get sorted.” The timing is tough, as winter is always more difficult but for the brief respite of the holiday season, when for a few days many residents with more privilege feel moved to give to those who are less fortunate.
A request for an interview was sent through the Millions of Butterflies website Friday, but no response was received by press time.
Join the family! 
