DALLAS — The city of Dallas closed a community food bank for code violations, its operators say. The People's Fridge fed dozens of hungry people each day in Dallas's Oak Cliff neighborhood.
Akwete Tyehimba launched the take-what-you need, leave-what-you-can operation outside her storefront at the pandemic's height.
"There are really some heartbreaking things that we see," she said. "There's definitely a real need."
Tyehimba and other organizers say they're not sure why the city shut down the food bank. She says a compliance officer told her their work was "enabling" homelessness, potentially drawing people without homes to the shopping center and deterring them from seeking help through the city.
A statement from the city said one of Code Compliance's concerns was a table with food which had both fresh produce and perishable items, as well as a refrigerator being used as a community pantry being outside in temperatures of more than 100 degrees.
No violations were issued to any owners of the business or property during the visit, the city added.
The property owner and businesses were informed that they would receive a written notice of findings after Code Compliance sat with the property owner to identify and work through solutions on how any findings could be brought up to standard," the city said in a statement. "At this time, no findings have been issued."
Tyehimba said her team would quickly secure a permit different than the ones it already has if the city informs her that's the pertinent issue.
The food bank takes donations from neighbors, grocers and church groups. Its operators have asked those groups to stop bringing food and posted a sign informing patrons the food bank is closed.
Still, donations piled up on the ground outside the store Thursday.
"I've placed the sign out, so I've done my part," she said. "But I'm not going to stop people from receiving food, nor can I control people who are bringing the food."
Similar food banks opened elsewhere in Dallas during the pandemic. One established near the Bishop Arts District appeared to still be in operation Thursday.
Anita Heller frequents The People's Fridge. Her grandchildren depend on the free food, she said.
"There's a lot of hungry people over here, especially children," Heller said. "This helps families that want to feed their children."
Tyehimba said she will resume monthly, permitted food distribution events the community fridge concept replaced nearly three years ago.
"We will continue to serve where there's a need," she concluded.