During the 25-26 school year, the Office of Global Learning and Community Engagement launched a new partnership with the Brooklyn Heights Community Fridge to transform leftover food from Packer’s kitchen into packaged meals for our neighbors in need. Community fridges are free and open to all, stocked through donations from neighbors, local businesses, and community partners. These shared resources help reduce food waste while ensuring that more food reaches people who need it.

What began as a small project quickly expanded to become a meaningful act of stewardship and connection, as Packer students have prepared and delivered 50 meals each week to the fridge on Henry Street.

The success of the pilot initiative inspired a permanent addition to our Upper School community engagement programming. Beginning in the 26-27 school year, tenth graders will work together each week during Community Time to pack and deliver meals to the fridge, creating a reliable, consistent impact on our local community.

The project deepens the work of integrating community involvement into students' lives in an authentic and purposeful way. By actively participating, students come to understand the meaningful impact their work can have on others, living out Packer’s mission of “acting with purpose and heart.”