The Vizag Community Fridge is a food-sharing initiative launched by Visakhapatnam City Police under the leadership of Commissioner Dr. Shankhabrata Bagchi as part of Operation Jyothirgamayee. The initiative aims to reduce food wastage and provide free, hygienic food to homeless and vulnerable people across the city. Operating on the principle “Leave What You Can, Take What You Need,” the Community Fridges encourage citizens, restaurants, hotels, and organizations to donate surplus food for those in need.
Vizag Community Fridge: A Step Towards a Hunger-Free Visakhapatnam
The Vizag Community Fridge is a unique public welfare initiative introduced by the Visakhapatnam City Police to ensure that surplus food reaches people who need it the most instead of being wasted. Launched under Operation Jyothirgamayee, the project is led by Police Commissioner Dr. Shankhabrata Bagchi with the vision of creating a caring and hunger-free Visakhapatnam.
The initiative follows a simple but powerful message: “Leave What You Can, Take What You Need.” Citizens, restaurants, hotels, caterers, function halls, supermarkets, and other organizations are encouraged to donate fresh, hygienically packed food. Anyone experiencing hunger can freely access the food with dignity.
To make the initiative easily accessible, Community Fridges have been installed at five important locations across Visakhapatnam:
Maddilapalem Junction
Asilmetta (Beside Lalitha Jewellers / RTC Complex Area)
Jagadamba Junction (Near Traffic Sub-Control Room)
Gopalapatnam (Near Petrol Bunk Junction)
Old Gajuwaka Junction
The Visakhapatnam City Police, along with volunteers from the Yuva Nestham Foundation, regularly monitor the Community Fridges to ensure cleanliness and food safety. CCTV surveillance has also been installed to prevent misuse and maintain hygiene standards.
People donating food are requested to follow simple safety guidelines. Only fresh, cooked meals should be donated in clean, sealed containers. Fruits, vegetables, bottled water, unopened juice packs, and packaged food can also be placed inside the refrigerators. Every food packet should clearly mention the preparation date and time.
Citizens are advised not to place stale or expired food, raw meat, leaking food packets, alcohol, medicines, or any non-food items inside the Community Fridges. Maintaining cleanliness around the units is equally important to ensure the initiative benefits everyone.
Hotels, restaurants, catering services, and organizers of large events can coordinate bulk food donations by contacting the Inspector of Police, Police Control Room (PCR) at 9490617924.
The Vizag Community Fridge is more than just a refrigerator—it is a community movement that promotes compassion, reduces food wastage, and ensures that no one sleeps hungry in Visakhapatnam.
Follow Vizag TV for more latest updates from Visakhapatnam.
FAQs
What is the Vizag Community Fridge?
It is a food-sharing initiative by Visakhapatnam City Police that helps reduce food waste and provides free food to people in need.
Where are the Community Fridges located in Vizag?
They are located at Maddilapalem Junction, Asilmetta, Jagadamba Junction, Gopalapatnam, and Old Gajuwaka Junction.
Who can donate food?
Anyone, including individuals, restaurants, hotels, caterers, and organizations, can donate fresh and hygienically packed food.
What food items are not allowed?
Spoiled or expired food, raw meat, leaking food packets, alcohol, medicines, and non-food items are strictly prohibited.
Who should be contacted for bulk food donations?
For large-scale food donations, contact the Inspector of Police, Police Control Room (PCR) at 9490617924.