AUSTIN, Texas — As the historic federal government shutdown continues, thousands of low-income residents in Central Texas find their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits suspended. In response, community initiatives like ATX Free Fridge are stepping up to ensure that those in need have access to food.
ATX Free Fridge, a mutual aid project established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, operates several refrigerators across the Austin area. These fridges are stocked with groceries, fresh produce, and ready-to-eat meals that anyone can access without any requirements. “We operate five free fridges and pantries around the Austin area, soon to be six,” said Kellie Stiewert, one of the organizers for the initiative. “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.”
The project has become a vital resource for many. Each day, the fridges serve a diverse group, including families, college students, and individuals with disabilities. Stiewert noted that approximately one in six Central Texans experience food insecurity, with door sensor data indicating that between 100 and 200 people visit each location daily.
One such location is the fridge outside Brentwood Social House on West Koenig Lane, which has attracted regular visitors like local resident Tanisha Thompson. “Diapers, milk, eggs, peanut butter, chips – they have everything you need,” Thompson said. After leaving her job to care for her son with Down syndrome, she expressed gratitude for the support the fridge provides. “I said, ‘Lord, I trust you,’ and I’ve been trusting Him, and he’s been providing the resources. This helps a lot because we didn’t eat today; I got this stuff for him.”
Community support is crucial for the sustainability of the ATX Free Fridge network. Stiewert revealed that one fridge on Second Street had to close due to insufficient community backing. “Lots of people relied on that fridge, but unfortunately we were not getting enough support when it comes to cleaning,” she explained.
As the government shutdown persists, organizers anticipate that demand for food assistance will 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.”
ATX Free Fridge operates at several locations, including Dittmar, Brentwood, Nixta Taqueria, Dove Springs, and West Campus. Those interested in supporting the initiative can contribute by dropping off food at any of the five locations. Stiewert emphasized the importance of providing prepared foods like sandwiches and meals, as well as cooking ingredients, and recommended that donors label and date the items before leaving them. They also encourage visitors to clean up any packaging or trash during their stop.
This community-driven project exemplifies the power of mutual aid in addressing food insecurity during challenging times. As Central Texans face uncertainty with SNAP benefits, the ATX Free Fridge initiative stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that no one goes hungry.
