NEW YORK — A food pantry in the Bronx gets a new home after a community effort and a helping hand from a local bodega.

Last month, the popular Mott Haven Fridge, which served those in need in the Bronx, was told it was no longer allowed at its home outside Chicky’s Mini Market on Saint Ann's Avenue.

But a local volunteer, the niece to the manager of the nearby Brito Deli Grocery, helped negotiate a deal that would allow them to move just about 50 feet down the street to a lot owned by Brito.

On Friday, volunteers helped move the Mott Haven Fridge to its new location.

"The reason why we started this fridge is to serve our students, and our school is just up the block so it was really important for us to be easy accessible to our families," says Charlotte Alvarez. "This is part of the community of students that I teach, part of the community that I love. So that means one of my students, their belly is full, their families are able to get fed, someone isn't stressing about how they’re going to get their meal."

After the move, a team of volunteers is set to perform a thorough clean-out of the new area to help pave the way for those to use the pantry and fridge.

Organizers are hoping to find a local Bronx artist to paint a mural on the wall behind the fridge in the near future.

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