Models Imaan Hammam and Melodie Monrose Helped Tackle Food Insecurity in Brooklyn—And You Can Too

This past weekend, a group of fashion’s top models gathered in Brooklyn—but not to hang out or get ready for a photo shoot. Instead Imaan Hammam, Melodie Monrose, Madison Headrick, and Cora Emmanuel partnered with One Love Community Fridge, a project founded by Asmeret Berhe-Lumax that helps tackle food insecurity by providing access to fresh, healthy fruit and vegetables. “The goal is to make healthy food accessible to all,” says Monrose. “With the rapid gentrification of New York City, urban food deserts have become a serious concern. Nutritious food seems to become more and more a privilege.”

The models wanted to get involved with the project after meeting Berhe-Lumax through a mutual friend. “She spoke to us about her mission, and we immediately were inspired and excited to join forces,” says Hammam. “We were already familiar with the concept after donating to an affiliate fridge last year on the Lower East Side.” Currently One Love Community Fridge has one permanent fridge in Fort Greene and supports 17 others in Brooklyn, where people can donate and drop off fresh food. “Here’s a tip Asmeret gave us when [food] shopping: ‘Whatever you would choose for yourself should be the same you would want to give to others,’” says Hammam. “Respect, dignity, and health are the key words to keep in mind when donating.”

The models applied this advice on Saturday morning. “Our food shopping was centered around fresh produce and healthy alternatives to everyday pantry items (like organic spices, honey, olive oil, and more),” says Hammam. “We were also fortunate to receive generous donations from friends and family.” They met at the fridge locations in Fort Greene, where more friends joined them to drop off additional food and clean the fridges. “We were able to restock each fridge more than once,” says Hammam. “The day ended by us sharing with one another why it was important to be of service to others, and what motivated us to be here today. We all went home that afternoon with our hearts feeling so full.”

Seeing how many still struggle with food security, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak, has been a serious eye-opener, says Monrose. “Black and brown communities were hit hard in the United States due to a higher prevalence of preexisting conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure—conditions often tied to genetics and diet. By providing free access to nutritious food, it’s contributing dietary and health solutions to a nationwide issue. Healthy food is a right, not a privilege.” If you’re looking to volunteer, Hammam suggests taking these easy steps. “The best way to help would be, first, get familiar with the locations of the fridges,” she says. “Next, set aside a couple or more items while food shopping and drop them off anytime at the nearest fridge.” (You can also donate to the cause.)

Monrose and Hammam agree anyone and everyone should volunteer their time and resources this holiday season if they can, but with large platforms in fashion, they felt a duty to do so. “We both have been in the fashion industry for more than 10 years, and it has sometimes been difficult for us to figure out the industry’s meaning or purpose,” says Hammam. Monrose adds that they can combat those conflicting emotions by simply doing their part: “The fashion industry can seem like a superficial world; it’s also an incredibly wasteful industry, so it’s important for us to take action toward change. Fashion has influence, and that means it can make strides toward a better future for us all. Our hope is that the industry will reflect the integrity of and efforts by the many young women in this space.”