PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A community pantry that provides food to residents in Point Breeze was destroyed by fire overnight, but volunteers say the loss will not stop them from serving the neighborhood.

The South Philadelphia Community Fridge pantry at 19th and Ellsworth streets typically holds about 200 pounds of food.

Volunteer Victoria Jayne said the adjacent refrigerator was not damaged.

“It’s really sad. I just feel very profoundly sad that it happened. Certainly, it was a frustration to go out there this morning and have to go out and clean it up,” Jayne said. “We are very grateful that there was no damage to our refrigerator.”

Volunteers were able to restock the refrigerator with perishable and nonperishable food following the fire.

The organization rescues excess food from larger food banks and grocery stores and stocks its community fridge and pantry at least 16 times a week.

Rather than focusing on punishment or contacting police, Jayne said volunteers are concentrating on continuing to serve residents.

“Making sure people know they can still get food from that location, and we’re gonna, you know, really focus on stocking it,” Jayne said.

Jayne said the organization received enough financial donations to replace the pantry without issuing a public call for help.

The South Philadelphia Community Fridge plans to continue providing food at the Point Breeze location while the pantry is replaced.

Share Food Program released the following statement on the fire:

“We were saddened to hear of the fire at South Philadelphia Community Fridge’s pantry and are thankful no one was hurt. Share Food Program is proud to partner with the mutual aid network of community fridges and pantries across Philadelphia, including this one. These mutual aid sites rely on volunteer support for tasks like cleaning, stocking, shopping, and more. They are a true manifestation of community in action.

Share has reached out to SPCF organizers to see what resources they need to move forward and ensure minimal disruption to the critical services they provide to our neighbors in Point Breeze and South Philly.”

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