The ACTS Food Pantry no longer has to store perishable food outdoors.

The Dumfries charity was awarded a $10,000 grant from BJ’s Wholesale Club for the purchase of a new walk-in refrigerator and freezer last month.

ACTS (Action in Community Through Service) had used up all of the available space in their old walk in, said spokeswoman Rebekah McGee, and had to store items donated to them from the Dale City Farmers’ Market outside.

“This refrigerator allows us to provide families in need with more food, especially an abundance of healthy, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables that are difficult to come by in most community food banks,” said McGee.

ACTS was formed in 1969, in a combined effort of 13 local churches. The food pantry was one of the first created in the region, according to ACTS.

The charity has long helped area residents with help in paying the cost of utilities, providing shelter for victims of domestic violence and operating two thrift stores.