Austin’s free fridge initiative is set to shut down its Dittmar Road location due to ongoing issues with litter and neglect. This decision comes as a disappointment to many community members who have relied on the service for essential food and clothing items. The closure is scheduled for February 1.
The Dittmar fridge is one of five operated by the ATX Free Fridge Project, which was established during the pandemic to address increasing food insecurity. The program functions similarly to a community library, allowing individuals to take what they need and contribute what they can, without any forms or questions involved. Each fridge is equipped with a small pantry, a bulletin board for community announcements, and shelves for clothing donations.
The initiative has gained significant traction, with volunteers installing sensors on several fridges that indicate they are accessed around 300 times daily on average. “We regularly hear that when people come to drop off food, a line quickly forms behind them with others waiting to receive meals,” said Stephanie Castleberry, one of the project’s volunteers. In some instances, volunteers hand meals directly to those in need rather than placing them in the fridge.
While the fridges see substantial usage, the Dittmar location has struggled with maintenance. Observers have noted instances of trash scattered around the area, and Lannie Lee, a longtime user of the fridge, expressed concern about the unsanitary conditions. “I don’t want to touch the fridge without gloves,” he remarked, pointing out that the refrigerator is often left ajar, risking the food inside.
Castleberry explained the decision to close the Dittmar fridge, stating that maintaining cleanliness has become an overwhelming challenge. The Second Street location faced a similar fate late last year for the same reasons. “We’ve tried calling for action and have set up text alerts to encourage people to help clean,” she said. “But it hasn’t been enough. We need everyone who uses the fridges to take responsibility, or we’ll lose more locations.”
The organization has made a cleaning schedule available on its website, inviting community members to volunteer. However, many slots remain unfilled. Castleberry remains optimistic about the future of the fridge project, planning to open three additional locations in Montopolis, Franklin Park, and North Austin this year, while also seeking to replace the Dittmar fridge with another nearby.
“It’s crucial that we receive support from everyone—those who drop off food and those who collect it—to help keep these fridges clean,” Castleberry emphasized. “If we want to maintain this valuable resource, we all need to contribute a little extra effort.”
