LYNN — The local community fridge has officially transferred management to Centerboard’s Lynn Family Resource Center.
The Lynn Community Fridge supplies free, accessible food to Lynn residents. It was started by an anonymous student in 2020 for a school project, and has since been handled by a single individual who has recently relocated. This month, Centerboard’s Lynn Family Resource Center has stepped in to handle the community fridge’s electricity, maintenance and regular cleaning.
Lynn Family Resource Center Director Olivia Grinstead said that Centerboard was selected to oversee the community fridge because of its recognizable location and reputation as a community hub.
“It’s central to downtown Lynn. We want to keep something really good going by making sure basic needs are being met for all families,” Grinstead told The Daily Item.
Grinstead also said vulnerable populations are becoming increasingly more hesitant to visit food pantries, as ICE often targets raids in these areas. Because of this, the Lynn Community Fridge does not require documentation from visitors.
“I was seeing that a lot of food pantries across the country were becoming less than utilized given the current political climate. So, I thought we should take Lynn’s community fridge over and proactively find an alternative to make sure that it is a safe space for families to get food,” Grinstead said. “Our community fridge is open for anybody to walk in and get food without having to wait in line out in public.”
Grinstead said while it would be ideal to have the community fridge stocked with food donations 24/7, she understands that this will not always be feasible. Therefore, efforts such as social outreach, volunteering, and food drives are key.
“We are trying to create a system where families are being fed,” Grinstead said.
The Lynn Community Fridge will remain at the same location at 16 City Hall Square.
