About us

Clare Share Fridge Communautaire Society: Strengthening food security and building community in Clare, Nova Scotia.

In late 2022, local chef and community advocate Shane Robicheau had an idea to offer a moment of relief to some of our community’s most vulnerable residents by organizing a free lunch on Christmas Eve. That year, Shane and his team of volunteers prepared and served 200 meals to eat in and for take-out.

Following that meal, Shane gathered community stakeholders to pitch an idea to launch a community fridge project, similar to the free fridges in urban environments like Halifax and Dartmouth. It didn’t take long for the project to gather steam and for Clare Share Fridge Communautaire to officially launch in July 2023.

Our group has since expanded into providing a variety of services to battle food insecurity, including:

Food distribution: We collect around 8,000 lbs of food each year from local grocery stores — food that would otherwise be discarded. Volunteers store and redistribute it through free monthly food boxes, available for pick-up at designated locations.

Community pantries & fridges: We maintain 4 free community pantries across Clare. Volunteers shop, stock shelves, and make sure only safe, appropriate items are available. Community members can take what they need or contribute approved items anytime.

Annual holiday dinner: Every December, we host a free community dinner, with options to dine in, take out, or get a meal delivered. Local chefs, businesses, and dozens of volunteers come together to share a meal and fight food insecurity.

Meal prep for students: We teach local high school students cooking skills, meal planning, and budgeting. This program boosts food literacy, reduces waste, and helps build a more food-secure future for Clare.

Together, we’re making a real difference — one meal at a time.