Lynn Community Fridge Under New Management

Centerboard Assumes Stewardship of the Lynn Community Fridge

Centerboard's Lynn Family Resource Center is proud to announce that it has officially assumed stewardship of the Lynn Community Fridge, ensuring this vital community resource continues to provide free, accessible food for individuals and families throughout Lynn.

Originally established in 2020 by an anonymous student as a school project, the Lynn Community Fridge has become an important source of nourishment and mutual aid for the community. After years of being maintained by a dedicated individual volunteer, the fridge's future became uncertain when its caretaker relocated. Recognizing its value to local families, Centerboard stepped forward to continue the program by overseeing the refrigerator's electricity, maintenance, cleaning, and ongoing operation.

Located outside the Lynn Family Resource Center at 16 City Hall Square, the community fridge remains available to anyone in need—no registration, identification, or documentation required.

"Our location is central to downtown Lynn, and we wanted to keep something really good going by making sure basic needs are being met for all families," said Olivia Grinstead, Director of Centerboard's Lynn Family Resource Center.

The decision to take on the Community Fridge reflects Centerboard's commitment to meeting families where they are and responding to evolving community needs. As barriers to accessing traditional food pantries have increased for some residents, particularly amid concerns surrounding immigration enforcement, the Community Fridge offers a safe, welcoming alternative where individuals can discreetly access food whenever they need it.

"Our community fridge is open for anybody to walk in and get food without having to wait in line out in public," Grinstead shared. "We wanted to proactively ensure families continue to have a safe place to access food."

The Lynn Family Resource Center is now working to build a sustainable network of volunteers, food drives, and community partnerships to keep the fridge stocked throughout the year. Every donation—whether fresh produce, pantry staples, or volunteer time—helps ensure neighbors have reliable access to nutritious food.

The Community Fridge is one of many ways Centerboard fulfills its mission of supporting youth and families with dignity, compassion, and practical resources. Alongside parenting programs, youth groups, clothing assistance, transportation support, and other essential services, the fridge serves as another example of the organization's commitment to "doing whatever it takes" to help the community thrive.

Centerboard extends its sincere gratitude to the original founder and longtime caretaker of the Lynn Community Fridge for creating and sustaining this invaluable resource over the past several years. We also thank the volunteers, donors, and community partners whose continued generosity helps keep the fridge full and accessible to all.

Together, we are ensuring that no one in our community has to face hunger alone.

Coverage of the campaign was featured at Item Live and Lynn Community Television.