Perfect Hunger Storm

This pandemic is unprecedented in our 40-year history. Food insecurity is still well above pre-pandemic levels—many of our neighbors are struggling. Historic inflation and consequences of the pandemic have made it harder for families to access enough to eat.

Our partner agencies are reporting a dramatic increase in need. Susan Dietrich, Executive Director at the Medway Village Church Food Pantry, said, “We have new clients every week and we are seeing many former clients returning, all driven by the cost of living. January of 2022 was the busiest month in our 20 years of operation. We’re seeing a 50% increase in clients as compared to January 2021.”

GBFB’s second statewide food access study released in June called Opportunities to Improve Food Equity and Access in Massachusetts confirmed the demand is greater than we imagined—as many as 1 in 3 adults in Eastern Massachusetts experienced food insecurity at some point in 2021. The report revealed staggering data about our most vulnerable communities. Populations with the highest rates of food insecurity include Latinx (61%), Black (53%), LGBTQ+ (51%), and Households with Children (40%).

“We’re seeing a 50% increase in clients as compared to January 2021,” says Susan Dietrich, Executive Director at the Medway Village Church Food Pantry.

GBFB is not immune to inflation. We purchase 70% of the food we distribute and are seeing an overall 15% increase in average food pricing compared to last year.

GBFB provides our network with nearly 80% of the food distributed to those in need. Through your donations, you can make our impact go further. Help us help others as we continue to work to end hunger in Eastern Massachusetts.