Question 1

Where are the Free Fridges located?

Accepted Answer

There are currently have five ATX free fridge locations!  Here is a map to reference and each address is listed below:Berkman Fridge (fridge  & pantry) - 1713 Patton Ln, Austin, TX 78723
Brentwood Social House Pantry (pantry only) - 1601 W Koenig Ln - in front of Brentwood Social HouseDove Springs Fridge (fridge & pantry) - 6710 Ripple Run Rd - in front of a homeNixta Fridges (2 fridges, no pantry) - 2512 E 12th St - in front of Nixta TaqueriaWest Campus Fridge - behind Pearl St. Co-op (clothing closet, fridge & pantry) - 2000 Pearl St. (Directions: take MLK to San Gabriel and take the first right into the alleyway, then take a left in front of the dumpsters. Look for a large pink structure in the corner of the lot behind the Pearl St Co-op building).**Please note: no location has a freezer and we cannot accept frozen goods**

Question 2

How/What can I donate?

Accepted Answer

Anything from fresh produce, prepared meals, canned goods, nonperishable items, to fruits and veggies grown in yards and gardens are welcome. We like to encourage healthy, nutrient dense foods but we welcome snacks of all kinds.

It is crucial that prepared meal contributions are individually portioned, labeled with common allergens/ dietary needs (ex., nuts, gluten, vegetarian, dairy, etc.) and dated for everyone's safety. We encourage contributing meals/food that can be enjoyed cold, as not all our neighbors have access to a microwave or stove.

You can also donate more than food: pet supplies, hygiene products, books, socks, and diapers are also welcome to any location with a pantry.

We DO NOT accept open or expired food (different from sell by), raw meat, frozen food or alcohol!

Question 3

Why don't you accept raw meat/expired and opened food/alcohol?

Accepted Answer

While we agree that some dates may not accurately reflect the precise dates that food goes bad, we still have to consider the well-being of those who utilize our fridges. We don’t want people who visit our fridges to be gambling on whether the food they’re eating will be safe to eat.

We also try to comply with food safety guidelines so that we don’t put the entire project at risk of getting shut down. Above all we are trying to provide free dependably safe food and keep our community healthy

Question 4

Can I donate as a food business?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the community depends on businesses like yours to help keep the fridges stocked. The recently passed Food Donation Improvement Act extended the liability protection of the business to donate food directly to "individuals in need” without having to go through a nonprofit intermediary.

Proper labeling is still required. We ask that you list what the food is, the date it was prepared/ donated, and any common allergens it may contain (i.e., “lasagna: contains gluten, dairy 4/20”). And that you not contribute food in bulk food trays but take the time to individually package meals.

Question 5

What do I do with open/expired food?

Accepted Answer

Please don’t donate open or expired food to the fridges. Give with care and in a condition that you yourself would want to receive something.

If you go to clean or stock a fridge location and find open or expired food (womp womp) please remove it from the location and dispose of it onsite or take it with you to throw away at home.

Question 6

How can I contribute financially?

Accepted Answer

We use Open Collective as our fiscal host for full financial transparency. You can contribute here!

We will NEVER ask for Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle contributions!

Question 7

What do you do if people are taking too much?

Accepted Answer

This is a tricky one. The truth is, we will NEVER police the fridges. But as part of our mutual aid values, we choose to give without expectation, trusting that people taking food know what they need.

It’s impossible to know someone’s full story, who they’re feeding, when they last ate, or when they’ll get their next meal. That’s why we don’t install cameras, set limits, or monitor what’s taken. And we don’t plan to.

What we do is post gentle signs encouraging folks to take what they need today, as a reminder that these fridges are for everyone.

Frequently asked questions