Creating Healthy Futures

For those who struggle to put food on the table, inexpensive foods are often the only choices they can afford. Unfortunately, these foods are often the most unhealthy, putting people at increased risk of chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Poor nutrition is especially detrimental to children. Research shows that lack of food can lead to physical and developmental deficiencies that can impede learning and development. At The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), we’re committed to supporting healthy lives and healthy communities through the food we distribute, as well as through nutrition and nutrition education. We have two Registered Dietitians on staff that oversee the nutritional value of all the food we purchase and distribute. They do so by utilizing the Choosing Healthy Options (CHOP) nutrition ranking system to ensure that more than 80% of the food we distribute meets the highest nutrition standards. In addition to their work with CHOP, our Registered Dietitians have also developed Click ‘N Cook, an online recipe database that features easy recipes made from ingredients GBFB regularly distributes, and Keys to Nutrition, our “train-the-trainer” program designed to teach young children about healthy eating. Both are important resources for our member agencies and the community at large that help to provide the knowledge and tools required for sustained nutrition.

This year, we’re taking it one step further with our Healthy Futures campaign. Last year we distributed more than 13 million pounds of fresh produce—25% of our total distribution. This year we aim to distribute an additional 2 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, sourced, when possible, from 30 local farms that we work with. With the support of our partners, we hope to raise the money needed to expand our produce distribution. In doing so we’ll provide health and hope to our neighbors in need. And we may even save lives. We’re fortunate that a generous group of our board members has agreed to match all donations to our Healthy Futures campaign dollar for dollar up to $100,000 until April 25. We hope that you’ll consider joining us to support our Healthy Futures campaign; visit gbfb.org/futures to donate.