With More Than 500,000 Eastern Massachusetts Residents Facing Hunger, The Greater Boston Food Bank Launches Campaign to Ensure Hunger Free Holidays for All

Media contact:
Nicole Mazzarella
nmazzarella@thecastlegrp.com
617.337.9517

Eric Donovan
edonovan@thecastlegrp.com
617.337.9522

BOSTON – Nov. 1, 2019 – The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, today launched Hunger Free Holidays, its annual holiday food drive, now with a new name to tie back to their vision to make Eastern Massachusetts hunger free by 2028. With more than 500,000 Eastern Massachusetts residents at risk, the campaign is intended to provide those in need with access to fresh, nutritious food.

From October 15 to December 31, individuals and teams can donate online at GBFB.org to help provide more than 14 million meals during the holidays. Fundraising teams, such as local businesses, clubs, church groups, families and friends, can pool resources to reach a fundraising goal together. More information on donating as a team or individual is available online at GBFB.org/Holidays.

“Abundance and sharing meals with loved ones are images typically associated with the holiday season. Unfortunately, for many of our neighbors, that is simply not a reality,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of GBFB. “During the season of giving, we aim to call attention to hunger in our state and motivate those who can to donate, enabling more of our neighbors to experience hunger-free holidays.”

A $20 donation purchases a healthy holiday meal for five – turkey and traditional side dishes (stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, squash and apples). GBFB offers chicken, fish and other options for those with dietary restrictions.

The Hunger-Free Holidays campaign kicks off with the GBFB’s annual Chain of Giving event on November 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. at its headquarters (70 South Bay Avenue, Boston), featuring the participation of about 200 GBFB supporters including elected officials and corporate partners.

This is the 9th annual holiday campaign (formerly known as the Holiday Meal Drive), launched in 2010 to provide individuals and families in 190 Eastern Massachusetts cities and towns with nutritious meals. Ninety-two cents of every dollar received goes directly to help end hunger.

About The Greater Boston Food Bank:
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. GBFB provides the equivalent of nearly 57 million healthy meals annually, distributed through its network of 530 member agencies across Eastern Massachusetts. GBFB operates four direct service programs at nearly 70 sites throughout the area. A member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, GBFB serves more than 140,000 people every month with a vision to create a Hunger Free Eastern Massachusetts by 2028. For more information, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.