SOUTHERN MARYLAND – The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, is now accepting applications from Charles County farmers to sell their agricultural food products to the Southern Maryland Community Refrigerator Program.
The program strengthens Southern Maryland’s food economy by supporting farmers and providing better access to fresh, local, nutritious food for residents experiencing food insecurity.
A community fridge is a zero-barrier (no documentation required) free food source maintained and used by the community it serves. Fridges offer mutual support to reduce hunger and combat food waste while building a stronger and more resilient community.
SMADC’s SoMD Community Fridge program is a partnership between SMADC, Christ Church La Plata, Lifestyles of Maryland, and the Charles County Community Schools.
SMADC received federal funding from the Charles County Commissioners via the American Rescue Plan Act to purchase produce, eggs, meat, and other agricultural food products from local farms for the program sites in Charles County.
The refrigerators also have a freezer and an attached dry goods pantry, so products such as frozen meats and shelf-stable foods are welcomed. Currently, this program is only active in Charles County but plans to expand it into other Southern Maryland counties are being considered and are contingent on receiving grant funds from additional sources.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Charles County Commissioners for their vision and continued commitment to funding this vital program, which is now in it’s third year,” said Shelby Watson-Hampton, SMADC Director. “Their support not only provides a lifeline for residents facing food insecurity but also strengthens our local food economy by investing directly in our hardworking farmers. It is a win-win for the health and resilience of Charles County.”
Farmers accepted into the program would sell their products to the fridge program and be compensated via program funds; those products would then be placed in the Community Fridge and attached pantry for free access to anyone in need. Charles County farmers are invited to apply now for consideration to participate in SoMD Community Fridges.
Community refrigerators are a form of mutual aid, so Southern Maryland neighbors are also invited to donate food to stock the fridges. Fridges are available as a community resource and accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and guidelines and instructions for food donation are posted on the refrigerator. Local community volunteers visit and maintain the fridge sites daily and safety measures are in place.
Applications are now open and will accepted through May 20, 2026. For more details and vendor guidelines for farmers find the Farm to Fridge Guide for Farmers at www.SMADC.com under the SoMD Community Fridges page.