Empowering Communities through Food Solidarity

Our Story

How We Started

Berrad El Hay’s journey began with a simple act of kindness born from a deep-seated resistance to injustice. Our founder, Nayla Frem Sayegh, started by loading her car with snacks and beverages to share with the homeless.

However, this method was not sustainable, and she knew that everyone deserves reliable access to food. Inspired by the concept of community fridges, already popular in Europe and the Americas, Nayla launched a similar initiative in Lebanon, Berrad El Hay, in September 2018.

Berrad El Hay, “The Neighborhood Fridge” in English, swiftly grew into a Lebanese nonprofit, non-governmental organization, registered under decree number 1188, and a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the US.

Our Mission

Empowering Communities

At Berrad El Hay, we harness the power of collaboration to transform surplus food into vital nutrition. Through our network of community fridges, we unite diverse stakeholders to ensure excess food reaches those most in need.

Our mission is twofold: to combat food waste and foster sustainable neighborhood solidarity. At the heart of Berrad El Hay’s approach are purposeful partnerships with local actors, amplifying our impact and creating lasting change.

Our Vision

A Sustainable Future

At Berrad El Hay, we envision a world where no food goes to waste and every community thrives through collective action and shared resources. By transforming food surplus into sustenance, our community fridges alleviate food insecurity and cultivate a culture of solidarity and sustainability.

Together with our communities, we aim to build resilient neighborhoods where the most vulnerable are protected from poverty, and everyone contributes to a cycle of giving and receiving.

Today, we remain committed to our core mission, reducing food waste and directing surplus to our community fridges.

~Nayla Frem

Our Values

What We Stand For

Solidarity

All for one and one for all.
Stronger together, we build the future of the neighborhood.

Non-discrimination

The neighborhood knows no discrimination.
We are all equal without differentiation on any ground.

Respect

There is no communication without respect.
We welcome and accept everyone for who they are.

Integrity

Integrity is having strong morals with everyone.

Humility

With humility comes honesty that builds trust and stimulates leadership.

Our Impact in 2023

Our Community Affair would not be possible without the dedication and support of our group of cooks and bakers, our volunteers, and our network of partners all brought together by a deep sense of community service.

Explore our Annual Reports:

2023 Report

2022 Report