Community Fridges for Texas Communities

In Texas, one in seven individuals experiences food insecurity. Unsurprisingly, this number only increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Texans have established more community fridges throughout their cities. These fridges are often managed by communities and businesses that embrace the concept of mutual aid. This session will examine the locations, the users, the funding mechanisms, and the code compliance methods for these community resources.



Session attendees will learn key terms, such as food insecurity and mutual aid. The attendees will then develop an understanding of community fridges in Texas, including successful locations, management strategies, code compliance, donors, and users. Finally, attendees will have time to ask questions and consider potential locations for community fridges in their hometowns. The two key takeaways of this session will be how to permit community-run entities and the best community fridge locations.



This session examines a real solution for a growing need in our Texas communities: increased food security. Through the examination of case study cities, this session will educate attendees on the impact that local government can have on providing easier access to healthy food without being tasked with management.