Let's Share Our Food ... Gimhae Shared Refrigerator Network Officially Launched

The Gimhae Shared Refrigerator Network, a food-sharing community initiative led by citizens of Gimhae, Gyeongnam, was officially launched at its founding general meeting held at 7 p.m. on June 10, 2025, in the main conference room of the Gimhae Agricultural Education Center.

The Gimhae Shared Refrigerator Network is a citizen-led council that focuses on shared refrigerator activities, where citizens voluntarily donate food ingredients or prepared meals to share with neighbors. Its goal is to establish a sustainable community culture and achieve food justice.

Participants are taking a commemorative photo at the founding general meeting of the Gimhae Shared Refrigerator Network. Photo by Gimhae City

Local civil society organizations participating in the network include Hansalim, Gimhae YWCA, Gimhae Volunteer Center, Gimhae Sustainable Development Council, Gimhae Social Innovators Network, Gimhae Young Successor Farmers Association, Gimhae Council for the Movement to Live Right, and the Gimhae branch of the Korea Foodservice Industry Association, as well as the Gimhae Citizens’ Media Founding Promotion Group. The Gimhae branch of the Korea Bakery Association and the Gimhae Public Food Service Producers’ Council are also supporting the initiative.

A total of 29 people, including active members and supporting members, attended the founding general meeting. Park Jongah, chairperson of the National Shared Refrigerator Network, was also present, underscoring the significance of nationwide solidarity.

During the meeting, the articles of association were approved, executive members were elected, and the 2025 business plan was adopted. Lee Eunsook, chairperson of the Hansalim Processed Foods Committee, was elected as the network’s first representative.

The meeting also featured a presentation on the operation of the shared refrigerator in Suwon, followed by a Q&A session, during which future operational plans and directions for interregional cooperation were discussed.

A representative of the Gimhae Shared Refrigerator Network stated, "A community model in which citizens directly participate and take the lead in food sharing has now begun in Gimhae. We will continue to work hard to spread a warm culture of sharing, created together with citizens."