Amanda Sweeney, daughter of Trisha Wade of Local 237’s Long Island Division, is the founder and organizer of Eileen’s Free Bodega, which she opened as her first community fridge, at the El Salvador Consulate in May, 2021.

The fridge started with a pop tent until they were able to raise money to buy a refrigerator. The idea came from Amanda’s volunteering during the pandemic at the Mott Haven fridge when someone suggested to open the fridges in her Long Island community. Currently, there are two community fridges located, one in Central Islip and the other one is in Brentwood. The fridges are open 24/7 so people can always have access to food. Eileen’s Free Bodega is a non-for-profit organization which rely on donations from family, friends, and the community. Amanda, along with her team and volunteers run the fridges and any special events they may have. Local 237 members have donated and supported the fridges with donations such as milk, bread, cereal, produce and other items. The fridge aims to help Long Islanders facing food insecurities. If interested in learning more about Eileen’s Free Bodega you can follow on Facebook and Instagram. Amanda credits her grandmother, Eileen, with showing her how to be caring and compassionate toward others. Amanda recalls: ”My grandmother often spoke of food insecurities and ways to help. She always said: “An act of service is love. Food is a human right. Free food for everyone/ Comida gratis para todos.”

Pictured above from left to right Joshua Chan, Esmeralda Garcia, Amanda Sweeney, Samantha Wade and Rachel Wade.