Help Keep “The Fridge in the Square” Full — So Our Neighbors Don’t Go Hungry
In Harvard Square, there’s a simple idea that works: a community fridge and pantry outside First Parish Church where anyone can take what they need—no questions asked. We call it The Fridge in the Square. It’s run with heart by the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) alongside partners and volunteers, and it’s become a lifeline.
The need right now is outpacing our shelves. With reduced SNAP benefits and the holidays upon us, food insecurity is rising. As one church leader told the Boston Globe , “As soon as we fill it, it’s empty again.”
We’re launching this fundraiser to keep the Fridge full every day.
What Your Gift Makes Possible
- Every dollar you give turns into real food and real care—fast.
- Fresh, ready-to-eat meals prepared by paid local staff for folks who can’t cook or store food.
- Groceries & pantry staples stocked multiple times a week at the corner of Mass Ave & Church Street, hosted by First Parish Church.
- A clean, safe space: regular cleaning, supplies, and maintenance so the fridge and cupboard stay welcoming and sanitary.
- Community partnerships that multiply impact—like the ongoing collaboration with Lesley University’s Threshold Support Program, where students plan budgets, shop, and assemble to-go bags with encouraging notes.
Why It Matters
Community fridges work because they’re simple, dignified, and immediate. People facing gaps in benefits, irregular paychecks, or housing instability can eat today—without paperwork or stigma.
Suggested Giving
- $25 stocks a few sandwiches, pieces of fruit, and healthy, accessible food in the fridge.
- $50 fills the pantry with shelf-stable staples (rice, pasta, canned proteins) for 10 visits.
- $100 underwrites a batch of individual meals prepared by local staff.
- $250 funds a full clean + restock cycle (fridge, pantry, sanitation supplies).
Any amount helps—truly.
How We’ll Use the Funds
Your donation will be used for:
- Food purchases from local markets (fresh items go fastest).
- Stipends/wages for part-time staff to prep individual meals and handle safe food rotation
- Cleaning & maintenance (sanitation supplies, liners, minor repairs).
- Storage needs (bags, labels, service gloves).
We’ll share periodic updates so you can see the fridge in action—what was purchased, what got stocked, and stories of impact (respecting privacy).
Other Ways to Help
- Drop off sealed, clearly labeled items (date & ingredients) at the fridge/pantry.
- Organize a mini-drive with your office, class, or friends.
- Spread the word: share this page in your neighborhood channels.
From day one, the Fridge has been powered by neighbors, small businesses, faith communities, students, and passersby—people who believe that no one in our Square should go hungry. Thank you for being part of this circle of care.
Note: Donations to this fundraiser are not tax-deductible.