Today we’d like to introduce you to ATX Free Fridge.
Hi ATX, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
ATX Free Fridge is a grassroots mutual aid initiative based in Austin, Texas, focused on fighting food insecurity and reducing food waste. We operate a network of community-maintained, publicly accessible fridges where anyone can take or leave food 24/7 — no questions asked. The group was started in 2020 by a few people who lost their food industry jobs during the lockdown and found that they still wanted to feed people. Drawing inspiration from the free fridge organizations popping up all over the country, the organization has grown to 6 (soon to be 7!) locations around Austin. As a mutual aid organization, ATX Free Fridge is entirely run by volunteers who rely on community support to keep the fridges stocked and clean. There is no need to sign up to drop off or pick up food, and the fridges welcome individually packed and labeled prepared foods, produce, fruit, snacks, meals, water, hygiene products, pet food, and more! ATX Free fridge asks that everyone engage from a place of solidarity, not charity, as as food access is a human right.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our biggest problem is when folks dump unwanted items such as furniture, rotting food, or trash. We welcome community support in helping clean up any trash found at any fridge, as it can quickly escalate!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a unique organization to engage with because anyone can contribute food at any time! There is no need to sign up and you can contribute at any time that is most convenient to you. Given that 1 in 6 Austinites are food insecure, all fridges are in high need at all times, so there’s never a bad time to contribute!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you are new to contributing food to the fridges, please keep food safety in mind! Please label prepared foods with the date they were prepared and major ingredients (especially allergens!). Everyone deserves to know what they are putting in their bodies. You can write on masking tape or use a sharpie to label – don’t overthink it! We do not accept raw meat for food safety reasons!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atxfreefridge.com
- Instagram: @atxfreefridge
Image Credits
Raeann Alcorta
