Ujamaa Cafe community refrigerators are popping up in northern New Jersey to combat food insecurity.

They offer fresh, healthy meals from local vendors - free of charge.

It's run by the Coalition for Food and Health Equity, founded by Dr. Leeja Carter.

"I wanted to create something that if someone's meals run out or someone needs additional food, they can go to something that's just right on their block," says Carter.

Ujamaa Cafe refrigerators can be found in public places at five locations in New Jersey, including Jersey City, Paterson and Newark, where two more are coming soon.

"Imagine being food insecure or experiencing the urgency of hunger and you need food right away, you're opening up your refrigerator or your couch surfing, you call us up and we dispatch meals to you but customized to your needs," says Dr. Carter.

The meals are customized to the dietary needs of the people using them.

One fridge is located in Newark's School of Data Science and Information Technology and is used by students throughout the day.

"I'm pre-diabetic so having these snacks available to me anytime really helps me a lot," says Lynette C., a 12th grader.

"And for highs school kids that are picky and hard to please, this is a really exciting investment to have in the school," says Principal Dr. Liana Summey.

The project has been growing since 2022 with funding from foundation partners and donors, helping to feed hundreds every week.