Press Release

GBFB, WCVB, and Highland Street Foundation team up to raise money, awareness during Hunger Action Month
The Greater Boston Food Bank, WCVB Channel 5 Boston and the Highland Street Foundation team up for the #septembermealchallenge to raise money, awareness during hunger action month

Boston, MA – This September, WCVB Channel 5 Boston is teaming up with The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) and the Highland Street Foundation to raise awareness and much-needed funds during “Hunger Action Month,” a national awareness campaign launched by Feeding America and its network of 200 food banks across the country.

During this month-long outreach effort, donations will have double the impact, thanks to the generosity of the Highland Street Foundation and its #SeptemberMealChallenge benefitting The Greater Boston Food Bank. Throughout the campaign, the Highland Street Foundation will match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000. As a result, every $1 donated will provide six nutritious meals to those in need in Eastern Massachusetts. WCVB, the Highland Street Foundation and GBFB are working to reach a goal of 120,000 meals.

Each September, the national network of Feeding America food banks unites to generate awareness about hunger in America and to mobilize the public to take action.

Here in Eastern Massachusetts, one in nine residents doesn’t know where their next meal will come from. And, of that number, as many as one in four are children.

According to Catherine D’Amato, GBFB President and CEO, WCVB Channel 5 and Highland Street Foundation are among the Boston-based hunger-relief organization’s most generous and dedicated supporters. “The September Meal Challenge is a great way for GBFB and our partners to collaborate and raise money and awareness during Hunger Action Month.  At this time of year in particular, as we ramp up our efforts in preparation for the holiday season, everyone’s contributions make a real difference to The Greater Boston Food Bank and the children, families, working adults, elderly and students we serve in 190 Eastern Massachusetts cities and towns. We appreciate WCVB 5 and the Highland Street Foundation’s commitment to helping us end hunger here in Eastern Massachusetts.” said D’Amato.

To make a donation to the #SeptemberMealChallenge campaign, visit gbfb.org/september.

For more information about Hunger Action Month, visit www.gbfb.org/hungeraction .

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 distributes more than 50 million pounds of food and grocery products annually to 550 member hunger-relief agencies and more than 30 direct service programs throughout Eastern Massachusetts in a dedicated partnership to end hunger in our region. This provides meals for as many as 500,000 people a year. 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.

About Highland Street Foundation
Since 1989, the Highland Street Foundation has worked to enrich the lives of children and families in Massachusetts by donating more than $160 million to worthy nonprofit organizations. From its support of the TADpole playground in Boston Common, to providing tickets to local sporting events to local nonprofits, to building capacity and providing technical assistance to hundreds of nonprofit organizations, the foundation is dedicated to expanding opportunities for families in Massachusetts and beyond. This year marks the seventh anniversary of “Free Fun Fridays” and a record- breaking 70 venues will participate, with seven cultural venues in Massachusetts open free-of-charge every Friday for 10 weeks this summer. To date, more than 900,000 visitors have enjoyed the “Free Fun Fridays” program.