Community fridge initiative at Oak Cliff bookstore bounces back

Dallas, Texas - The well-known Oak Cliff bookstore has resumed operation of its community fridge, "People's Fridge," despite being instructed to halt its activities by the City of Dallas on July 10.

Ms. Akwete Tyehimba, the owner of the Pan-African Connection, informed the public that she was instructed to discontinue all food distribution efforts and remove the refrigerator from the store's exterior.

Tyehimba has presided over the Pan-African Connection bookstore, located at the intersection of South Marsalis Avenue and Ann Arbor Avenue, for many years. The establishment has earned acclaim for its wide selection of books, skincare products, genuine African artifacts, as well as its commitment to education, community involvement, and food distribution initiatives. Hence, the recent clash with a City of Dallas official was unexpected.

While the city's Code Compliance division provides guidelines for feeding homeless individuals on its website, Tyehimba maintains that most individuals benefitting from her service are not homeless but belong to the working underprivileged class.

"The discontinuation was disheartening because I regularly see the families who come here to collect food," she expressed. "It is unfortunate as we are unable to serve those who need it."

According to a memo that the City of Dallas sent to NBC DFW, the city had concerns about food preservation during the hot summer months and questioned whether the operation was compatible with the certificate of occupancy. The city noted that neither the property owner nor the business was penalized, promising a thorough examination of the regulations by Code Compliance and subsequent communication of their findings.

The city confirmed that the property owner and businesses would receive a detailed account of the findings after discussions between Code Compliance and the property owner to identify possible solutions for regulatory alignment.

In a statement from the City of Dallas, it has been confirmed that no findings have been announced and the refrigerator has been restored, operating under a revised set of rules.

To ensure the quality and safety of the food offered, the pantry's policy has been updated to no longer accept prepared food, a category that previously included donations from local restaurants. The new rules specify that only unprocessed produce can be donated.

The adjustment aims to guarantee the quality and safety of food provided to those in need. Unopened, non-perishable items continue to be accepted.

Akwete Tyehimba announced on social media on Saturday that the fridge would be reopening:

"Thanks to the PAC & Social Media Family! The Fridge & Table will resume operations tomorrow morning! Here's a list of acceptable items; please, no cooked foods or items you wouldn't feed your family! Donations can be dropped off 24/7. This is a 'take what you need, leave what you don't' initiative. We are indifferent about your living or legal status. Take what you require and leave some for your neighbors."

The donation list includes uncut fruits and vegetables, rice, dry beans, granola, nuts, cereal, oats, pancake mix, milk, spices, canned items, bread, raw shellfish, peanut butter, and honey.

For further information about the Pan African Connection, please email info@paccares.com.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, NBC DFW