LOCAL NONPROFIT
The Hays Free Fridge Project helps feed neighbors and eliminate food waste
Hunger in Hays is a reality for far too many people. Governmental assistance uncertainty, inflation and high demand at local food banks are all factors families must face when providing for their loved ones. In the darkest times it takes others to shine a light and reach out a hand.
The team behind Community Centered and Squared does just that, providing resources for their neighbors most in need. The group has hosted workshops on growing food, mending clothes and even community potlucks. Recently they have celebrated their growth by establishing a second community fridge as part of their Hays Free Fridge Project. Not only do these open pantries provide basic needs, they help eliminate food waste by allowing the community to donate excess food.The fridges are located at 1012 Allen St Unit B and 130 W Holland St., around the back of the First Lutheran Church.
Community Centered and Squared organizers Amma Selestial and Josh Gonzales know it takes a village to accomplish big things so they have partnered with other local grassroots organizations such as Third Space and With Love, San Marcos to maintain and grow the free fridge project. A group of volunteers work to clean and organize the donation sites, tending to the sites with love and order. Both locations are welcoming and organized to allow for easy access and a smooth donation process. Beyond just the fridge there are dry food pantries, clothes and basic medicine, and even a seed library for sustainable food growth.
All are welcome and access is everything. Organizers establish locations within neighborhoods for easy access for the homes around the donation sites. Hays County has a robust food bank which helps feed thousands weekly, but Selesital and Gonzales saw a gap to fill and made it their mission to give Hays residents 24/7 access to emergency food. The driving force behind all of it is love. Love for the community, for those in need and for those who volunteer their time and donate to their neighbors through this project.
The only goal is growth for the free fridge project. Although the two locations are based in San Marcos, the intention is to spread in order to help all of Hays County. The biggest challenge is securing a donation site. Organizers have sourced equipment and volunteers to maintain the sites but the conditions must be aligned for a site to work.
What started off as a dream turned into a plan and proposal. Eventually the first location was set up thanks to the generosity of a Community Centered and Squared member and their landlord. The first location is at a residence, so there are signs and procedures to respect the space. After the success of the first site, members from the First Lutheran Church of San Marcos reached out to the group to offer a section of their church property to house a fridge, called Katie’s Community Free Fridge.
Community is key in keeping the sites clean and functional. Those interested in volunteering can email communityc2ed@ gmail.com for more information. Donations can be made at any time, although alcohol, expired food, unlabeled products and raw meat are not allowed. They accept fridge, freezer and dry goods with label supplies located at the donation site.
To keep up to date on the needs and volunteer opportunities for the project, follow their instagram at @haysfreefridges.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, Community Centered and Squared and other San Marcos food aid organizations are co-hosting the Mutual Aid Benefit at Wake the Dead Coffee House from 4-9 p.m. The event, a food drive and fundraiser, is presented by local musician collective &bops. Come boogie and learn how you can help those in need who might be right next door.
