Bronx community fridge vandalized once more, sparking concerns

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The Allerton Allies community fridge, located on Boston Road and Wallace Avenue in the Bronx, has been a staple of the community since the pandemic, providing free meals and fresh produce. This past Saturday, however, it was vandalized for the second time in three months.

A surveillance video shows a group of kids walking by the Allerton Allies community fridge on Saturday afternoon. One of them left the fridge’s door open, causing food to spoil.

“You can see in the video they threw all the food on the floor,” said Ignacio Collado, who runs the Allerton community fridge.

Collado said he saw the vandals as he closed his auto and tire shop.

“I came out, and I try to stop them, they ran … The next thing they were going to do is vandalize the second fridge we got,” Collado said.

Back in June, the first bridge they got was vandalized. With the community’s help, Collado bought a second fridge to continue his work.

"You see, these fridges are full now; by tomorrow, they are empty," volunteer Shamatee Melendez said.

There’s a steady flow of people in need stopping by.

Nicolasa Bautista is a community member who visits on a daily basis. She said she benefits greatly because she and her family can save a lot of money.

“The vandalism is disappointing because we are here to help the community,” said Alberto Rodriguez.

His organization, Reach for Life, constantly donates pre-cooked and packed food.

Collado said he doesn’t have hard feelings toward the kids and wants more action from elected officials.

“To work with me, to come to the neighborhood, this is something for everybody,” Collado said.

The community fridge will continue its work. This Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m., it is hosting an event where free fresh food and backpacks will be available for kids returning to school.