As the federal government shutdown continues, affecting the distribution of SNAP benefits for low-income families, community support initiatives like ATX Free Fridge are stepping up to ensure that people in Central Texas have access to food. This mutual aid project operates several refrigerators stocked with groceries and ready-to-eat meals, available for anyone in need.
Kellie Stiewert, one of the project organizers, explained, “We operate five free fridges and pantries around the Austin area, soon to be six.” These fridges are open 24/7, allowing individuals to give or take food freely, without the need for sign-ups or questions. The initiative started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to address food insecurity, and now serves hundreds of people each day.
According to Stiewert, “One in six Central Texans are food insecure.” Each fridge location receives between 100 and 200 visitors daily, demonstrating the significant demand for this resource. For example, the fridge at Brentwood Social House on West Koenig Lane has become crucial for local residents like Tanisha Thompson.
Thompson has relied on the fridge since leaving her job to care for her son with Down syndrome. “Diapers, milk, eggs, peanut butter, chips – they have everything you need,” she noted. She emphasized how the initiative has provided essential support during a challenging time, stating, “I said, ‘Lord, I trust you,’ and I’ve been trusting Him, and he’s been providing the resources.”
The ATX Free Fridge network serves a diverse population, including elderly residents, disabled individuals, large families, and college students. Yet, maintaining community support is vital for the program’s sustainability. Recently, the project had to close a fridge location on Second Street due to insufficient community engagement in maintaining cleanliness and restocking. Stiewert remarked, “Lots of people relied on that fridge, but unfortunately we were not getting enough support.”
With the government shutdown continuing, organizers anticipate an increase in demand for food assistance. Stiewert underscored community resilience, stating, “We take care of each other when systems that govern us fail us. It’s up to us to care for one another.”
For those interested in accessing the free fridges, they are located at Dittmar, Brentwood, Nixta Taqueria, Dove Springs, and West Campus. Stiewert encourages community members to contribute by dropping off food at any of the locations. Ideal donations include prepared foods like sandwiches and meals, as well as raw ingredients for cooking. It is recommended to label and date the food before leaving it, and to clean up any packaging or trash.
The ATX Free Fridge initiative exemplifies the power of community support in times of need, demonstrating how collective effort can address food insecurity and provide vital resources to those facing hardship.
