Thanking Our Partners

This fiscal year, GBFB distributed nearly 58 million pounds of food across Eastern Massachusetts. That could not happen without a huge support system and many partners. That’s why we host our annual Partner Appreciation Day to thank dedicated volunteers, donors, member agencies, and advocates.

On Friday, we held our 2016 Partner Appreciation Day and the honorees are listed below. Thank you to all of our supporters who make our work possible!

Founder’s Award: Ashley Vivieiros, Senior Store Director at Walmart

Ashley has been instrumental in deepening GBFB’s partnership with Walmart over the last few years. She is an active member of our Food Industry Council,  participates in events, and plans corporate volunteer days. Over the last few years, she has helped increase Walmart’s donated food to over 2.5 million pounds!

Leadership Award: Stop & Shop

For more than 30 years, GBFB has received critical support from Stop & Shop and Our Family Foundation, Stop & Shop’s charitable arm. They contribute more than $700,000 and donate close to 2 million pounds of food every year!

In-Kind Donor of the Year Award: RSA Media

RSA Media has donated over $3 million of billboard advertising to GBFB since July 2012 in prime locations. To put their donation in perspective, to purchase the ad space we use, it would cost approximately $82,000 per month!

President’s Choice Award: Steve DeFillippo

Steve has been a dedicated friend of GBFB for many years. He advocates for GBFB among the Boston chef community, donates time and food, and serves as an honorary member of our Board of Advisors. Last fall, Steve celebrated the 30th anniversary of his restaurant, Davio’s. He donated all proceeds to GBFB as part of the Kick Hunger challenge, raising over $134,000.

Community Partner of the Year: Our Neighbors’ Table

Our Neighbors’ Table is a leading GBFB member agency and driving force behind the North Shore Hunger Network. Last year, they distributed 650,000 pounds of food, reaching over 2,000 people in northeastern Essex County.

Food Donor of the Year: Gold Medal Bakery

For more than 10 years, Gold Medal Bakery has regularly donated white, wheat, and rye breads, hot dog rolls, hamburger buns, English muffins and much more. In fact, because of the regularity of their donations, bread sorting has become a popular volunteer project. Over the last three years, Gold Medal Bakery has donated over one million pounds of bakery products!

Institutional Volunteer of the Year: Liberty Mutual

A strong partner since 1988, Liberty Mutual encourages employees to support those in need with funds and time. Liberty Mutual groups have volunteered 10 times in the last year, with over 220 Liberty Mutual employees taking part.

Individual Volunteer of the Year: Dave Warren

Dave is an outstanding volunteer who has contributed over 200 hours to GBFB since 2014. He volunteers every Wednesday night and has quickly become “an extension of the team.” His enthusiasm is contagious! His long-time experience makes him a natural  leader, and he has a positive impact on every shift.

Public Advocates of the Year:

Senator Benjamin Downing – Senator Downing wholeheartedly supports GBFB’s advocacy efforts to end hunger, helping educate his fellow Senators about the importance of MEFAP. He has also filed amendments to increase MEFAP by more than $2.5 million over the last two years!
Representative Marjorie Decker – Representative Decker has a personal story about struggling with hunger while growing up, and her passion is truly inspirational. She is a critical partner in working toward legislation that increases food access and food security among vulnerable populations.