Late last year, members of the Walden Village Board shared some discourse over a food fridge outside of a local establishment, Empanada Nirvana. Some were in support of the fridge, while others have stated they’d like the fridge moved because it’s a violation.

Though Owner Nelson Pantoja had been in contact with the Orange County Department of Health about protocols, a few board members mentioned that the fridge violated the Village of Walden’s code.

Between that, and a citation, the food fridge kept running. Pantoja fills it with takeaway food for locals in need, and has stated on multiple occasions “We’re just feeding people.” Many have taken to the fridge, with Pantoja noting in the past that he’s come back to find it empty on multiple occasions.

At the trustees meeting in March, the board was considering an application for an outdoor cafe at Empanada Nirvana. They agreed to accept the application contingent on the violation being cleared up.

Later in May, Pantoja visited the board to discuss the fridge during public comment. “The Department of Health came. The temperature is written down every day. There’s a thermostat in it. It is dated. I lock it at night. I still haven’t gotten approved for my outdoor cafe,” said Pantoja, who added that he won’t stop feeding people no matter what.

The fridge is being replaced. Originally, Mayor John Ramos donated a fridge for the cause, but it was a standard refrigerator. In an email, Village Manager John Revella stated, “The tenant is replacing the current fridge with an outdoor grade one.”

Pantoja did not respond to a request for comment.