Library Foundation Receives $30,000 Grant to Expand Access to Fresh Produce in Republic

The Springfield-Greene County Library Foundation has received a $30,000 grant from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4593 to purchase fresh, locally grown produce for the Community Fridge at the Republic Branch Library, expanding access to fresh, nutritious food for residents in Republic and the surrounding area. 

The Community Fridge provides free fruits and vegetables to library visitors during regular library hours. Fresh, locally grown produce is made possible through grants, private donations and contributions from area farmers and gardeners. The Library also offers recipes, cookbooks and classes to help patrons prepare, store and incorporate fresh produce into healthy, budget-conscious meals. 

Tysha Shay, Branch Manager of the Republic Library, said by pairing free fresh produce with educational programming, the Library continues to expand its role as a trusted community resource.

“We want to help our neighbors make the most of their food budgets while accessing nutritious food and this Community Fridge allows us to do that,” said Shay.

Rick Strope, Quartermaster of VFW Post 4593, said that his post was looking for a way to help the community. They learned that the library had started the pantry but needed funding to keep the program going. 

“The timing was perfect,” said Strope, “We are glad to be helping the Republic community in this way.“

The Republic Community Fridge builds on the success of the Library District's Midtown Carnegie Branch Community Fridge program, which has distributed more than eight tons of fresh produce to almost 5,000 community members since launching in 2023.

The Library Foundation has established a Community Fridge Fund to support year-round access to fresh produce at community fridges at Midtown Carnegie Branch, Library Station, and the Republic Branch Library.  Community members interested in supporting the program can learn more at foundation.thelibrary.org.