Savannah Urbanist Society, a local nonprofit initiative, installed a community fridge for the people of Savannah on March 17. The project is similar to the little free libraries found in many Savannah neighborhoods— people put something in and take something out. No payment, no permission needed. 

The fridge is open to neighbors from all walks of life and is located outside of Good Fortune Market on the corner of Waters and Maupus Avenue. 

Mutual Aid Instead of Charity

The community fridge allows food to be shared amongst Savannah residents easily and unconditionally. Much like a food pantry or community garden, the fridge mitigates food waste and is an option that is not only free, but sustainable.  

The concept of mutual aid is a two way street that helps us to fulfill each other’s needs. Kind of like— I’ll change your tire for you and you can take care of my dog while I’m out of town — sharing where you can and building support for the whole community.

“Part of the act of mutual aid is not othering folks, it’s not saying this is different food for poor people. This is about strengthening community ties by sharing food with each other in a way that expresses dignity and solidarity,” said Savannah Urbanist Society coordinator and owner of Good Fortune Market, Becca Green.

In order to put food on the table, many Americans rely heavily on income or welfare programs such as SNAP. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 42 million Americans utilized SNAP benefits as of 2025. However, as the economy fluctuates and government allocations shift, collaborative exchanges amongst neighbors opens up a door for addressing common issues in our everyday lives.

“We watch people all day long, put stuff in and take stuff out of it,” said Green.

 The fridge is a reflection of how businesses, families and individuals in Savannah are willing to share resources that would otherwise have gone to the landfill. It may even open the door for more community fridges and awareness to the solidarity initiatives being employed in our city.

Savannah Urbanist Society’s Mission of Community Solidarity

Savannah Urbanist Society is a local nonprofit that believes in using grassroots action to benefit the community. It is a volunteer-run group that works alongside several other local organizations and businesses that share similar values, such as Good Fortune Market, Bike Club Savannah, Savannah Tool Library and Savannah Ice Tub Club to name a few.

“Savannah Urbanist Society’s main guiding themes are improving what we can, where we can, and neighbors helping neighbors,” said Peter Van Brussel, who is a coordinator for Savannah Urbanist Society.

Alongside mutual aid initiatives, Savannah Urbanist Society advocates for safer and more accessible bike lanes for cyclists as well as improved infrastructure throughout the city. 

“These are things that everyday folks can appreciate and can instantly benefit off of,” said Green. “Riding bikes is not only working class transportation, but it’s also just fun, family leisure, and being able to do that safely and be able to do that regul

arly is super important, especially in a city like Savannah.”

Savannah Urbanist Society sees what the city lacks and takes it upon themselves to get things done. Volunteers have successfully built a few benches at local bus stops across midtown that have been painted with fun designs and messages. The organization is also conducting a survey, which can be accessed through their Instagram page, @savannahurbanistsociety, to collect information and ideas for improving conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and people who utilize the city’s public transportation.

To follow what Savannah Urbanist Society and Good Fortune Market are doing or to volunteer for upcoming projects, follow them on Instagram @savannahurbanistsociety and @goodfortunesav.