The Greater Boston Food Bank Launches Hunger Free Holidays Campaign
Media Contact:
Catherine Lynn
press@gbfb.org
617-828-7422
The Greater Boston Food Bank Launches Hunger Free Holidays Campaign
1 in 10 Neighbors Still Experiencing Food Insecurity
BOSTON – October 29, 2021 – The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, has announced the launch of Hunger Free Holidays, its 11th annual holiday fundraising campaign. This year, GBFB aims to provide 23 million healthy meals across 190 cities and towns in Eastern Massachusetts.
“While the pandemic cast a light on food insecurity over the past year, the long-range impact of COVID continues to drive historic levels of need,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of GBFB.
“During the season of giving, we aim to motivate those who can help to donate, so that we can continue to meet the needs of our communities throughout Eastern Massachusetts.”
Massachusetts saw the greatest percentage increase in food insecurity in the country in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a 47 percent increase over 2019. Despite positive trends in the economy, food insecurity in Eastern Massachusetts is expected to remain 30 percent above pre-COVID levels for the remainder of 2021, with 1 in 10 individuals struggling to get enough to eat this holiday season.
Many families have experienced food insecurity for the first time during the pandemic, and many are still struggling. Families are recovering from the economic burden COVID-19 produced and dealing with changing federal nutrition and economic benefits as well as increasing food costs that could make this holiday season the most expensive in history. In addition, those on fixed incomes are especially impacted during the colder months as they cut back on food purchases to cover the high costs of heat and electricity. Food distribution remains at a heightened rate and GBFB remains wholly committed to providing healthy meals to those in need every step of the way.
From October 1 to December 31, individuals and teams can donate online at GBFB.org. Fundraising teams, such as local businesses, clubs, church groups, families and friends, can pool resources to reach a fundraising goal together. A $25 donation purchases a healthy holiday meal for a family in need – turkey and traditional side dishes (stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, squash and apples). GBFB offers chicken, fish and other options such as grocery cards for those with dietary restrictions.
The Hunger Free Holidays campaign is generously sponsored by Stop & Shop with support from the Biogen Foundation. Together, Stop & Shop and the Biogen Foundation are matching up to $450,000 beginning now through December 31st.
In addition to the Hunger Free Holidays campaign, GBFB will also host its 16th annual Chain of Giving event, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at The Greater Boston Food Bank, 70 South Bay Avenue. This event is supported by our Hunger Free Holiday sponsors, Stop & Shop and the Biogen Foundation.
More information on donating as a team or individual is available online at GBFB.org/Holidays.
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. In response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, GBFB distributed the equivalent of nearly 97 million meals in fiscal year 2021 through its network of 600 dedicated food distribution partners and programs in the 190 cities and towns across Eastern Massachusetts. A member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, GBFB’s mission is to end hunger here and it is committed to providing at least three healthy meals a day to everyone in need. For more information, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.