The Greater Boston Food Bank, Delta Airlines and McDermott Will & Emery Partner to Help Raise Awareness and Funds for Fresh, Healthy Produce to Mass. Residents in Need

The Greater Boston Food Bank, Delta Airlines and McDermott Will & Emery Partner to Help Raise Awareness and Funds for Fresh, Healthy Produce to Mass. Residents in Need

GBFB’s 2022 goal is to distribute at least 29 million pounds of fruits and vegetables

BOSTON – March 1, 2022 – March is National Nutrition Month and to shed light on food insecurity in Massachusetts, The Greater Boston Food Bank launches its annual “Spring for Meals” fundraising campaign, sponsored by Delta Airlines and McDermott Will & Emery, in support of the food bank’s efforts to build sustained access to nutritious food.

While many may think of food banks and pantries as offering primarily canned goods or processed foods, in 2021, The Greater Boston Food Bank distributed nearly 29 million pounds of fresh produce, with a focus on sourcing fruits and vegetables from local farms. Food pantries are often the main source of nutrients for a struggling individual or family, especially now as food costs in grocery stores are surging due to inflation and supply chain issues.

Delta Airlines and McDermott Will & Emery are kicking off the “Spring for Meals” campaign in March with a pledge to match the first $100,000 donated to GBFB to help the food bank provide more nutritious produce to people in need across Eastern Massachusetts. The goal is to raise enough money to purchase and distribute 29 million pounds of fruits and vegetables in 2022.

“Consistent access to nutritious food is critical to one’s health. Many do not have access to the nutrients they need to achieve their full potential,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank. “With the commitment of sponsors like Delta Airlines and McDermott Will & Emery, and our other supporters, we can continue to create access to healthy foods with the goal of empowering and building healthy communities.”

Increasing access to nutritious food, particularly fresh produce, is one of GBFB’s ongoing goals to help our Eastern Massachusetts community recover from the COVID pandemic. By providing more fresh produce, GBFB is striving to bridge the connection between food insecurity and chronic health issues, including diabetes, heart problems, lupus, arthritis, and more.

The Greater Boston Food Bank supplies nearly 600 food pantries, soup kitchens, and other meal programs in Eastern Massachusetts where one in 10 people are at risk of hunger. Our Nutrition team, consisting of two Registered Dietitians, works closely with our Food Acquisition and Community Impact teams to ensure that nutritious products are sourced and delivered to the 190 communities GBFB serves. With the cost of food and overall cost of living in the state surging due to inflation and supply chain challenges, GBFB is accelerating efforts to improve access to nutritious food for those in need.

To help GBFB provide more fresh produce to those who need it most, visit GBFB.org/springformeals and explore ways to support the campaign.

Other notable dates in March (National Nutrition Month)

• March 8 – International Women’s Day
• March 9 – National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day
• March 10 – GBFB Spring for Meals Kick-Off Event at Delta Cargo (details TBA)

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.

Media contact:
Catherine Lynn
press@gbfb.org
617-828-7422