A network of community fridges has opened on Milwaukee's north side

Attendees of the ribbon cutting ceremony at Metcalfe Park Community Bridges locked arms to form human chains on either side of Melody McCurtis, deputy director of Metcalfe Park Community Bridges.

As she cut the ribbon tied around the new community fridge in the neighborhood nonprofit's office, lyrics to “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers filled the room.

Lean on me when you’re not strong. I’ll be your friend – I'll help you carry on. For it won’t be long ‘til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on.

It was a fitting end to an event centered on solidarity, mutual aid and community-led solutions to food insecurity on Milwaukee’s north side.

Organizers and elected officials praised the response created by and for neighbors after the sudden departure of the Metcalfe Park Pick ‘n Save on North 35th Street nearly eight months ago.