Sustainable Connections to co-open Fourth Freedge at Sumas Library

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (Sept. 30, 2026) — Sustainable Connections, in partnership with the 
Whatcom County Library System, will open its fourth Freedge (free community refrigerator) 
in Sumas on September 30, 2026.
The Freedge will provide Sumas residents with a convenient source of free and wholesome 
food while helping redirect surplus from local businesses and farms. By giving edible food 
a second life rather than sending it to the landfill, the project supports both food access 
and waste reduction. Located at the Sumas Library, the Freedge is positioned in a familiar, 
accessible community space where residents can easily connect with this resource. 
Christine Perkins, Executive Director of Whatcom County Library System, said, "The 
Freedge concept just makes sense: sharing prepared food with people who need it while 
keeping good food out of the waste stream. Whatcom County Library System believes in 
the power of sharing, and we're pleased to once again partner with Sustainable 
Connections to support this vital project." 
Library staff will oversee the Freedge daily, which will be restocked multiple times a week 
by volunteers and Sustainable Connections. Together, these efforts will help ensure the 
resource remains available to community members while advancing a shared 
commitment to reducing food waste and strengthening local food access. The Sumas 
Freedge will be open and accessible to the community during library open hours. 
Chelsea Hilmoe, Toward Zero Waste Program Coordinator, shared, “Growing up in Sumas, 
I have a deep appreciation for this community and the people who call it home. I am very 
excited to be part of this work and to help bring a valuable resource to a community that 
means so much to me.” 
A "freedge" is a community refrigerator packed with free nutritious food that is open to all. 
There are currently three Freedges located in Whatcom County, and one in Skagit County. 
Expect to find each Freedge packed with individual portions of surplus food from local 
restaurants, garden produce, and shelf-stable pantry items. For more information about 
the Freedge, including details on how to volunteer or donate food, or learn about our three 
other Freedges, visit www.sustainableconnections.org/freedge.