​Community​​ Free Refrigerators (Community Fridges)

​Community free refrigerators, sometimes called community fridges, are community-led food pantries that provide 24/7 access to donated food to support hunger relief and food security. Unlike traditional food pantries, community fridges are typically maintained by volunteers and stocked by residents local to the neighborhoods they are housed in. Because community fridges are usually located outdoors and exposed to extreme temperatures, they may have potential food safety risks. 

To help communities navigate these food safety concerns, the Local Food Safety Collaborative, in collaboration with ATX Free Fridge in Austin, Texas, has developed a guidance document with practical recommendations for ensuring that community fridges provide the public with access to safe food. Learn More.​​