‘Keeps us alive out here’: PDX Free Fridges another resource for people facing SNAP cuts in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Amid uncertainty for recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, efforts at the local level are not slowing down as charitable groups band together to feed those in need in Portland.

PDX Free Fridges are located all over the city

as just another form of food aid in addition to the many pantries and local businesses working to help people.

On Friday, two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to continue paying for SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown. This comes after the food benefits were set to freeze on their normal distribution day, Saturday, Nov. 1. Officials said the benefits won’t resume immediately, despite the court ruling.

Regardless, some resources available in Portland may fly under the radar. For instance, the community-run and community-stocked PDX Free Fridges.

“Whenever, I’m having a bad day, I can come in, you know, look out at the pantry and see, you know, all of the things that people have brought and are sharing,” said Elizabeth McPherson with PDX Free Fridges. “It’s a real, tangible reminder of all of the good and the love in the world.”

In addition, some people own Little Free Libraries, which are small self-serve shelves that operate on a “take a book, leave a book” honor system in people’s yards facing the sidewalk. Some people are now using their Little Free Libraries for food items under the same system.

“Just stop by, donate a book, put a few items in my cooler here and I’ll make sure it gets to the people who need the food each week,” said Kacey Carpenter, who runs a Little Free Library with both books and food in Lake Oswego. “I’m seeing lots of other people kind of take the same idea, whether it’s a little library with a cooler or putting a bin out. People are really recognizing right now that they need to step up and help. And so the awareness is growing.”

One woman experiencing homelessness and on SNAP told KOIN 6 News the PDX Free Fridge that she used in Southeast Portland to stock up on a few food items was a real help.

“I haven’t been out here that long, so thank God I haven’t. I don’t know all the tricks of the trade yet,” said the woman, who wished to remain anonymous. “I’m homeless and the free food…I want to cry. Oh, the free food. I’m somebody who doesn’t shoplift. so stuff like this really keeps us alive out here.”

She added, “Thank you to the communtiy that help us. You know, it means a lot. I hope some day I can give back, too.”

PDX Free Fridges has a map of all of their locations for more information on how to find one nearby.

In addition, a number of local restaurants in Portland are offering free or discounted food for SNAP recipients and others experiencing food insecurity. KOIN 6 News has also created a Portland-area map where people can get food assistance.