How Red's Good Vibes Turned Tragedy Into FREE Meals & 5 Community Fridges! (Despite Criticism & "Territorial" Nonprofits)

Red McGrath dreamt of a food truck that handed out free meals.

Unfortunately, he didn't live long enough to see his dream come true. Red passed away at 29 years old.

But alongside her two surviving siblings, Caitlin McGrath-Levesque took it upon herself to carry out Red's life work.

That work is Red's Good Vibes, a top Seacoast nonprofit that hands out free meals - no questions asked - prepared in their signature red food truck. Additionally, they manage five (and growing) community fridges currently located in Portsmouth, Kittery, Berlin, Exeter, and Newmarket.

Since starting operations in 2019, Red's Good Vibes has served over 500,000 meals. They've changed lives, and have completely redefined the concept of giving freely.

From the West End of Portsmouth, Caitlin joins host Troy Farkas to discuss what happened to Red, the early days of Red's Good Vibes, why they received criticism during the pandemic, the power players they've received donations from, why they stick to their "no questions asked" ethos, and the expansion of community fridges.

Plus, the two discuss the incredible ways the Seacoast has stepped up in recent weeks to address the pause on SNAP benefits.

To learn more about community fridge locations and what kind of items you can donate, just visit here.

CHAPTERS:

• Opening montage (00:00)
• Seacoast Stories LIVE on 12/5! (01:45)
• Red's tragic passing in 2018 (02:46)
• SPONSOR: Seacoast 2 Summit (24:45)
• The chaotic early days of Red's Good Vibes during COVID (26:12)
• The growth of the food truck on the Seacoast despite the doubters (36:22)
• SPONSOR: Little Tree Education (50:20)
• The expansion of community fridges (51:55)
• How Seacoast businesses are stepping up to face food insecurity in tough times (01:03:25)
• Why giving back is "intimidating" (01:10:28)
• How do you want to be remembered? (01:17:32)

EVENTS:

• ⁠⁠Seacoast Stories LIVE!⁠⁠ On Friday, December 5, the Seacoast's biggest podcast takes the 3S Artspace stage for an evening of community, connection, and conversation. Secure your tickets ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

SPONSORS:

• ⁠Little Tree Education⁠: Get 50% off your application fee with code SEACOASTSTORIES when applying your child for Spring/Fall 2026 at the Seacoast's top Montessori school!
• ⁠Seacoast 2 Summit⁠: How much is your home worth for a short/mid-term rental property? Find out ⁠here ⁠for FREE!
• To get started on a path toward better financial investment, email our friend David Higgins ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! He's a Portsmouth legend, and you won't regret it.

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