Cool w Mal

When I first started volunteering at food pantries, I noticed something: a lot of the food being given out needed a kitchen. Cans, pasta, rice… all important, but not always helpful if you don’t have a fridge, a stove, or even a place to store it. That gap stuck with me. So I launched Cool w Mal, a community fridge project designed to give people ready-to-eat, nutritious food they can grab immediately.

Right now, the fridge lives at Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard (UMACC). With help from partnerships like Trader Joe’s, I keep it stocked with healthy, pre-packaged meals and snacks. I also add drinks like Gatorade for hydration, which is one of the most requested items. Every time I restock, I decorate the fridge with “Self-Care: You Matter” magnets. It’s a small gesture, but I want everyone who opens that door to feel seen, valued, and reminded they deserve care.

This project is one of my favorite parts of The Dancing Baker PA because it’s so immediate. You fill the fridge, and within hours, the food is gone. It shows just how urgent the need really is. The fridge is always in need of donations, especially ready-made meals, packaged healthy snacks, and drinks. If you’re a restaurant, grocery store, or just someone who wants to help, those contributions go directly to people who need them most.

For me, Cool w Mal is about more than food... it’s about access, dignity, and community!