September is for emailing reps, trying to apply for grants, cold calling pantries, and the birth of Munch w Mal.

After my internship at Madison K Cookies, where I created content and got a behind-the-scenes look at their business model (not to mention their beautifully intricate cookie designs!), I started diving deeper into food insecurity issues in Philadelphia. By the way, if you’re ever in the area, check them out at 800 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123—their cookies are as delicious as they are stunning!

The Reality of Community Fridges

As I learned more about community fridges, I began to see the challenges they face—keeping up with maintenance, securing approval for locations, finding nonprofits to help with funding and electricity costs, spreading awareness so local neighbors contribute, and navigating donation regulations with pantries, restaurants, and grocery stores.

I had always dreamed of opening my own community fridge, but after seeing how many had struggled (or failed) in Philadelphia and learning about the strict health and sanitation codes, I realized it wouldn’t be as simple as I had hoped. (Even though this Philadelphia Citizen article makes it seem like it's super easy- after doing research and asking around there are quite a few barriers and gaps that are needed to be done before you start your own community fridge)

Hitting Roadblocks & Finding a New Path

Determined to find a way to help, I started applying for grants—only to quickly learn that securing funding as a teenager without 501(c)(3) status is not easy. I also reached out to state and local government representatives to understand the gaps in food access, existing solutions, and potential new approaches.

At the same time, I cold-called food pantries and shelters to see if they needed residential fridges. Unfortunately, most required commercial-grade fridges that cost around $3,000, a price far beyond what my baking business could support.

Enter Munch w Mal

After lots of thinking (and some trial and error), I had a realization: What if I focused on healthy, accessible snacks instead? While volunteering at various nonprofits, I noticed a consistent need for nutritious, grab-and-go food options that were easy to eat. That’s when Munch w Mal was born!

Using some of my baking profits and an old basket from my camp days, I put together the first-ever Munch w Mal snack basket—a collection of individually packaged, healthy, non-expired snacks. Each basket includes laminated healthy eating tips (shoutout to my laminator, my new best friend!).

And guess what? It worked! I’m now partnered with five local nonprofits, regularly dropping off Munch w Mal snack baskets for those experiencing food insecurity.

What’s Next?

I’m still figuring out how to involve more of my community so the snack purchases don’t solely rely on my baking funds. But for now, I’m excited to see Munch w Mal growing and making a difference—one snack basket at a time. Stay tuned!

If you are a local nonprofit in PA that serves marginalized community and wants to partner with me, please send me an email at mhersh1118@gmail.com !