GBFB and MathWorks Renew ‘Growing Healthy Futures’ Summer Hunger Fundraiser

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Greater Boston Food Bank and MathWorks Renew ‘Growing Healthy Futures’ Summer Hunger Fundraiser

MathWorks to Match up to $1M in Funds to Support Hunger Relief

BOSTON – (June 30, 2022) – The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, today announced the return of its Growing Healthy Futures summer hunger fundraising campaign which aims to raise funds to help GBFB distribute healthy meals to youth and their families this summer, in partnership with MathWorks, a leading developer of mathematical computing software for engineers and scientists.

Through September, MathWorks will generously match all gifts up to $1 million. Funds raised will bolster GBFB’s extensive network of partner agencies across the region, enabling children, students, and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and rising food costs to reemerge stronger than before.

“The Greater Boston Food Bank is a renowned leader in hunger relief throughout the region, and its mission to end hunger aligns closely with our ongoing commitment to support our local community,” said MathWorks Senior Vice President and CFO Jeanne O’Keefe. “We are proud to renew our role in this important campaign and contribute to programs that feed students and their families during challenging times.”

The partnership comes at a pivotal moment, as summer poses unique challenges for kids, teens, college students, and their families. School-provided meals are not as available as they are during the school year. GBFB food pantry partners reported serving more than double the number of children this past year compared to 2019.

An alarming 37 percent of public university students in Massachusetts experience food insecurity, according to the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, with students of color and students who are parents facing even greater rates of food insecurity as summer begins.

GBFB’s recent study on the state of food insecurity and access across the state, “Opportunities to Improve Food Equity & Access in Massachusetts,” also reveals that families with children face disproportionately high rates of food insecurity, estimating that 40 percent of Massachusetts families with children experienced food insecurity in 2021.

“Summer tends to be a difficult time for families to feed children and teens, compounded by recent inflation, persisting inequities in food access, and ever-rising food costs,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of GBFB. “Entering the second year of this fruitful partnership, we are deeply grateful to MathWorks for its continued generosity and commitment to tackling food insecurity. The funds raised through this program will directly fund hunger-relief efforts that prioritize and nourish children, students, and families in dire need of support.”

In addition to raising essential funds to support hunger relief efforts, Growing Healthy Futures also builds awareness around childhood, student, and family hunger across Eastern Massachusetts.

To learn more and contribute to the Growing Healthy Futures campaign, visit www.GBFB.org/GHF.

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, and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.

About MathWorks
MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of engineers and scientists, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a block diagram environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain and embedded engineering systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these products to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, communications, electronics, industrial automation, and other industries. MATLAB and Simulink are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 5000 people in 16 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit mathworks.com.

https://www.mathworks.com/company/aboutus/policies_statements/trademarks.html

Media Contact
Catherine Lynn
GBFB
VP, Communications and Public Affairs
617.828.7422
press@gbfb.org