PORTLAND, Ore. — As the uncertainty around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continues, Portlanders are finding new ways to support each other. Local efforts like PDX Free Fridges are stepping in to help feed people who are struggling during the ongoing federal shutdown.
Two federal judges ruled Friday that the Trump administration must continue paying SNAP benefits during the shutdown. However, the restart process could take time, leaving many recipients without immediate access to food assistance. In response, local organizations, volunteers, and everyday residents are rallying together to fill the gap.
Across the city, PDX Free Fridges are serving as a lifeline. These are community-run refrigerators and pantries stocked by volunteers, neighbors, and local businesses. People can freely take what they need or leave what they can, no questions asked.
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“Whenever I’m having a bad day, I can come in, look out at the pantry, and see 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 the good and love in the world.”
The project operates dozens of fridges throughout Portland, often set up outside businesses or homes. Each is maintained by volunteers who keep them clean, safe, and filled with fresh food, snacks, and basic necessities.
Meanwhile, other Portlanders are expanding the concept of mutual aid through their Little Free Libraries — small outdoor boxes traditionally meant for book exchanges. Now, some are being repurposed into mini food pantries.
“Just stop by, donate a book, put a few items in my cooler here, and I’ll make sure it gets to people who need the food each week,” said Kacey Carpenter, who runs a Little Free Library with both books and food in Lake Oswego. “People are really recognizing that they need to step up and help. The awareness is growing.”
For many struggling residents, these neighborhood initiatives are a lifeline. One woman experiencing homelessness told KOIN 6 News that she relies on a PDX Free Fridge in Southeast Portland to get by.
“I haven’t been out here that long,” she said. “I’m homeless, and the free food — I want to cry. Stuff like this really keeps us alive out here. I’m somebody who doesn’t shoplift, so having this is everything.”
She expressed deep gratitude to those contributing to the effort: “Thank you to the community that helps us. It means a lot. I hope someday I can give back, too.”
PDX Free Fridges provides a map of all its fridge locations, making it easy for people to find or donate to one nearby. Alongside this, several Portland-area restaurants are offering free or discounted meals for people impacted by SNAP cuts or facing food insecurity.
KOIN 6 News has also created a Portland-area food assistance map that lists community fridges, food pantries, and restaurants participating in relief efforts.
Despite the uncertainty at the federal level, Portland’s spirit of community remains strong — proving that when systems falter, neighbors can still come together to ensure no one goes hungry.
