GBFB Provides Thousands of Meals for Veterans and Their Families

On June 22 The Greater Boston Food Bank partnered with the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts, The Department of Veteran’s Services and Bank of America to distribute over 5,000 pounds of food to veterans and their families. Nearly 200 veterans and their families each received enough food for 25 meals including fresh produce, eggs, yogurt, bread and poultry. Since 2011, The Greater Boston Food Bank has been working to help veterans restore balance by partnering with the Department of Veteran’s Services to host mobile food markets in Eastern Massachusetts. Mobile food markets help supplement the offerings available at local food pantries, allowing families to stretch their monthly food budgets. To date, the organizations have hosted 11 mobile food markets in Eastern Massachusetts. According to Catherine D’Amato, President and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank, many veterans are unable to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits because of income guidelines. “In this tough economic environment, with long-term unemployment, rising fuel, food and housing costs and shrinking wages, many veterans need support in order to feed themselves and their families. We are proud to join with the Department of Veterans’ Services and the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts to help those who have given so much to our state and our nation”. Secretary Coleman Need from The Department of Veterans’ Services states, “Massachusetts leads the nation in providing benefits and resources to our veterans and military families. No one that has worn the uniform and served this country should struggle to put food on their table.” Funding for the monthly veterans’ distribution program is provided by Bank of America. GBFB works to provide food to Red Cross emergency programs across Eastern Massachusetts and both organizations are committed to serving veterans and other vulnerable populations.