GREAT BAY--The work of FREEGAN Foundation in St. Maarten has received national attention in the Netherlands, with the organization featured on Dutch television programExpeditie Nederland, broadcast by Omroep MAX on NPO 2.
The August 31 episode focused on social cooking initiatives and the role food can play in bringing people together, reducing loneliness and encouraging healthier eating. Reporter Raydaniël Petroudis visited FREEGAN Foundation to give viewers in the Netherlands a behind-the-scenes look at the volunteers who help provide groceries and meals to more than 100 families in St. Maarten every week.
A central figure in the report was longtime FREEGAN volunteer Signita Martin, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday. Her story highlighted how volunteering can provide more than practical assistance to others, offering volunteers themselves a sense of purpose, connection and belonging.
“We are incredibly proud that the work being done by our volunteers has now been seen across the Netherlands,” said FREEGAN Foundation Managing Director and co-founder DJ de Jong. “This feature showed that FREEGAN is not only about food. It is about dignity, connection and creating a community where people genuinely care for one another. Signita represents the heart of everything we do.”
The television feature also provided recognition for the volunteers, donors and partners who support FREEGAN’s activities, while drawing attention to the continuing financial challenges facing families in St. Maarten who depend on community organizations for assistance.
FREEGAN Foundation operates a client-choice food market, allowing clients to select the food they need rather than receiving predetermined packages. The organization also provides meals, coaching, educational activities, workshops and other forms of community support.
According to the foundation, its approach is centered on ensuring that people seeking assistance are treated with dignity and respect while also receiving practical support to meet their needs.
TheExpeditie Nederlandfeature can be viewed through FREEGAN Foundation’s Facebook platform.
For more information about FREEGAN Foundation, volunteer opportunities or ways to support its work, contactinfo@freeganfoodfoundation.com.
