Press Release

GBFB Empowers the Community to Make an Impact During Hunger Action Month
Hunger-relief organization joins Feeding America and partner organizations across the country to speak out against hunger during month-long campaign

Boston, MA – August 24, 2016 – The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, today announced this September it is raising awareness and funds for Hunger Action Month, a national awareness campaign by Feeding America and its network of 200 food banks across the country. This year’s theme, Empty Plates, includes events and a social media campaign, all encouraging the public to take action against hunger.

GBFB is kicking off Hunger Action Month with a proclamation from Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and with a “Flip the Switch” ceremony at the Prudential Center on Hunger Action Day, September 8, 2016. The Prudential Center and other Boston landmarks will be lit orange throughout September to support the cause, including the Zakim Bridge and TD Garden.

The public is encouraged to get involved to support GBFB’s mission to end hunger here through different ways, including writing what they can’t do on an empty stomach on an empty plate and sharing on social media; wearing orange on Hunger Action Day; attending various events throughout the month; and entering the online raffle featuring plates signed by Bill Belichick, Brad Stevens, and players from the Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox organizations.

“One in nine Eastern Massachusetts residents don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of GBFB. “We challenge everyone to take action this month and make a difference in the lives of those in need by attending a local event, posting on social media or donating funds.”

Every September, Feeding America’s national network of food banks unites to activate the public to take action and to generate awareness about hunger in America. For more information about Hunger Action Month, participating events, entering the raffle, how to advocate for hunger policies and the social media campaign, please visit gbfb.org/hungeractionmonth. You can join the conversation on social media using #HungerActionMonth and #EndHungerHere. All proceeds will benefit GBFB and every $1 donated will provide three healthy meals to those in need in Eastern Massachusetts.

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 78% of the hunger-relief food distributed by its 550 member agencies throughout the 190 cities and towns in Eastern Massachusetts. GBFB has as many as 60 direct service programs that provide the highest quality of food and healthy meals for as many as 500,000 people a year in an effort to create a hunger-free Eastern Massachusetts. GBFB is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network. For more information, visit us at GBFB.org, become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank), or call us at 617.427.5200.