Support For Healthy Meals
in New Bedford

“The Greater Boston Food Bank. I mean, where would we be on the South Coast without you?” says Anne Gardella, 80, a retired social worker and a client at People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE) Community Food Center in New Bedford.

PACE is one of 600 Agency Partners across Eastern Massachusetts receiving free food from GBFB. For clients like Anne, the fresh food supports her in making healthy meals.

After a blood disorder diagnosis, Anne’s medical expenses skyrocketed, and she found it challenging to purchase the fruits and vegetables she loved so much. “I try to eat healthy because I need it for my blood. I need protein and vegetables,” she explains. “And those are the two most expensive foods you have to buy.” Anne is among many senior citizens facing food insecurity in Eastern Massachusetts; 1 in 6 of the neighbors served by GBFB is 65 years or older.

“Thank you so much for letting people like me…enjoy vegetables and fruits that I need so much of in my diet.”
—Anne, client at PACE Community Food Center in New Bedford

“I know my kids would never let me starve, believe me,” she adds. “But I’m very independent and I don’t want to depend on them. They’ve got families to raise and their own lives to take care of.”

Anne finds that independence—and a sense of warm community—at PACE. “I was in the hospital for 12 weeks just last year, and I had a feeding tube…” she recalls. “And I missed coming here so much. And when I came back, [a volunteer] was at the back door and I started crying because she is so wonderful.”

“It couldn’t be any better,” Anne adds. “The Greater Boston Food Bank is the best ever. They help so many people. I’m starting to get teary-eyed when I think of all the people that you help.”