GBFB fuels a network of 600 Agency Partners across Eastern Massachusetts, supplying a significant portion of the food they distribute in 190 cities and towns. Your donations to GBFB reach agencies like Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Revere Food Pantry, a 100 percent plant-based pantry with an educational cooking class program for MGH patients.
A 100 percent plant-based approach: At MGH Revere Food Pantry, “food is medicine,” says Program Manager Michael Lenson. “We try to give away 70 percent fresh produce, and GBFB makes that really easy by providing excellent fresh produce.”
Weekly cooking classes: Pantry participants—plus all patients—are invited to attend weekly, plant-based cooking classes at MGH Revere’s teaching kitchen, presented by a chef and registered dietitian.
A growing need: Need in the community is “always increasing,” says Michael. In recent years, the number of households served weekly by the pantry grew from 50 to 150-160.
Study in progress: MGH’s Food is Medicine Study, in collaboration with Dr. Lauren Fiechtner’s Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition Equity, is studying 150 patients to explore how plant-based food interventions can improve health in under-resourced communities.
The power of partnership: “Having access to resources like those from GBFB positively impacts our patients’ wellbeing,” says Michael.