Local activist Jammella Anderson made it on the March cover of TIME magazine for her work to combat food insecurity in her community.

She started back in August 2020 with one location on 8 Elm street in Albany.

“This is for the people in Arbor Hill and the South end that have no access to a grocery store,” said Anderson back in August.

Since then, she’s been keeping up with seven fridges throughout Upstate New York, mostly In Black and Brown communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It took some convincing for the first couple of fridges, but once one went out people started to see the need,” said Jammella.

Executive Director of the Albany Center Gallery Tony Iadicicco is one of many who agreed to let Jammella set up a fridge on their property.

“I think Jammella’s is an inspiration honestly. Just to see the amount of love passion and energy she puts in to this project,” said Iadicicco.

Jammella hopes the project will continue to serve as a model for what food equality could be, if everyone had access to better eating options.

“This is just another way to help bring food closer to people  without having to jump through any barriers,” said Jammella.

Jammella mainly gets her food stock from local farmers and restaurants, but she’s still in need of donations. You can learn full details about the project by clicking here and donate by emailing freefoodfridgealbany@gmail.com.

Also check out her newest collaboration to end food insecurity here.