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PORTSIDE CULTURE
ONE LOVE COMMUNITY FRIDGE IN BROOKLYN IS FEEDING PEOPLE AND CHANGING
LIVES
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Laine Doss
July 17, 2025
Broken Palate
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_ One Love Community, which offers free food for neighbors in need,
operates 10 community fridges and supports 30 partner fridges in NY
and Seattle, with LA and Atlanta to follow soon. _
A One Love Community Fridge in action, One Love Community
New York City is considered by many to be the greatest city in the
world, not only for its stunning skyline, fine dining, cultural
exhibits, and rich history, but also for its vibrant community and
resilience.
In 2020, the city was reeling from COVID-related lockdowns, with many
people losing their jobs. Food banks and other social services were
overwhelmed. It was then that Asmeret Berhe-Lumax decided to do
something. The former fashion and beauty executive decided to set up a
community fridge in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy community, rallying support
from family and friends to keep that one fridge stocked with
nutritious food.
That one little act of community grew into a grassroots movement.
Since then, One Love Community Fridge
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community fridges and supports an additional 30 partner fridges in New
York City and Seattle—with Los Angeles and Atlanta soon to follow
— each offering free food for neighbors in need. The registered
nonprofit partners with farmers, community gardens, restaurants,
schools, and food purveyors to stock the fridges. The organization’s
ultimate goal is to completely eradicate hunger, food insecurity, and
malnutrition through an integrated movement that includes access to
fresh food, nutrition education, and sustainability.
This year, the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants
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Berhe-Lumax with the “Champions of Change” award, which celebrates
unsung heroes of the hospitality sector who are driving positive
action in their communities and creating blueprints for a more
inclusive society.
William Drew, director of content for North America’s 50 Best
Restaurants, says: "We are proud to name Asmeret as the inaugural
recipient of the Champions of Change Award for North America’s 50
Best Restaurants. Through her visionary leadership of One Love
Community Fridge, Asmeret has created not just access to fresh,
healthy food through community fridges but also a powerful
community-led movement grounded in inclusion, education, and
sustainability. Her work exemplifies the spirit of the “Champions of
Change” award – grassroots action that drives real, long-term
progress in food and society.”
In return, Berhe-Lumax says she is honored to receive the award, which
includes a grant to forward the organization’s mission. “This
support not only amplifies the reach and impact but will also serve as
a powerful inspiration for others to join in and contribute. This
award is a testament to what’s possible when a community comes
together. One Love Community Fridge embodies the power of food to
nourish, to unite us, and to promote health, healing and collective
care rooted in dignity. Small, consistent actions can lead to big,
meaningful change.”
The “Champions of Change” is the first of three awards to be
announced ahead of the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants
2025 awards ceremony, taking place at the Wynn Las Vegas on Thursday,
September 25. The “Art of Hospitality” and the “One To Watch”
awards will be announced leading up to the event.
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