As the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history continues, many low-income residents in Central Texas face uncertainty regarding their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In response to this crisis, community-driven initiatives like the ATX Free Fridge are stepping in to provide essential food support to those in need.
The ATX Free Fridge project operates multiple locations throughout the Austin area, where community members can freely give or take food without any formal requirements. “We operate five free fridges and pantries around the Austin area, soon to be six,” said Kellie Stiewert, an organizer for ATX Free Fridge. “People can give or take food whenever they want. The fridges are open 24/7 and no one has to sign up to give or receive food.”
Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, this volunteer-run initiative has become a vital resource for many households. Each fridge is stocked with groceries, produce, and ready-to-eat meals, serving hundreds of people daily. According to Stiewert, “One in six Central Texans are food insecure. Door sensor data shows between 100 and 200 people visit each location every day.”
The fridge located outside the Brentwood Social House on West Koenig Lane is a key site for those seeking assistance. Local resident Tanisha Thompson has relied on this resource. “Diapers, milk, eggs, peanut butter, chips – they have everything you need,” she noted. After leaving her job to care for her son with Down syndrome, Thompson found the ATX Free Fridge to be a crucial support system. “I just put in my resignation because I didn’t have anyone to watch him,” she explained. “This helps a lot because we didn’t eat today; I got this stuff for him.”
The initiative serves a diverse group of individuals, from the elderly and disabled to large families and college students. However, maintaining community support is essential for its success. Recently, the ATX Free Fridge had to close its location on Second Street due to a decline in community involvement. “Lots of people relied on that fridge, but unfortunately we were not getting enough support when it comes to cleaning,” Stiewert said.
With the government shutdown expected to prolong, the demand for food assistance is likely to increase. “We take care of each other when systems that govern us fail us,” Stiewert stated. “It’s up to us to care for one another.”
The ATX Free Fridge has locations at Dittmar, Brentwood, Nixta Taqueria, Dove Springs, and West Campus. Stiewert emphasized that the best way to support the initiative is by donating food at any of the five locations. They particularly encourage prepared foods like sandwiches and meals, as well as raw ingredients for cooking. Donors are advised to label and date the items and to clean up any packaging or trash when they visit.
In a time of uncertainty, community-led efforts like ATX Free Fridge illustrate how local support can provide essential resources to those who need them most.
