The Greater Boston Food Bank Launches “Hunger Free Holidays” Fundraiser as Massachusetts Grapples with Persistent Hunger Crisis
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The Greater Boston Food Bank Launches “Hunger Free Holidays” Fundraiser as Massachusetts Grapples with Persistent Hunger Crisis
GBFB and Stop & Shop seek to raise funds for families in need in 12th annual fundraiser, as 1 in 3 Massachusetts residents face hunger
Boston, MA (November 1, 2023) – The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, announced today the launch of its 12th annual Hunger Free Holidays fundraising campaign, seeking to provide healthy meals this holiday season to the 600,000 families it serves alongside over 600 food distribution partner locations across Eastern Massachusetts.
The campaign arrives only a few months after GBFB released its annual report in partnership with Massachusetts General Brigham on the state of food insecurity, confirming that 1 in 3 Massachusetts residents continue to struggle with hunger, found deep-rooted disparities in food access based on racial and sexual identity, and unveiled unprecedented rates of child-level food insecurity in the state. Recent national data released from the USDA noted food insecurity rates increased nationally between 30-40 percent in 2022, the same time as GBFB’s study was conducted.
GBFB has seen yet another alarming rise in demand for food assistance, as the average number of individuals served by its food pantry partners in 2023 increased by nearly 12% compared to 2022. Several factors have perpetuated and exacerbated hunger in Massachusetts, including soaring grocery prices, increased costs of living, a statewide housing affordability crisis and the return of student loan repayments. As the rise of grocery prices outpaces inflation, many residents are forced to choose between purchasing food or paying for housing, healthcare and transportation. The cost to feed our neighbors has risen as well which is why this campaign is so critical.
“As we look towards the holiday season, we implore our communities to turn their attention to the urgent and sustained food insecurity crisis,” said Catherine D’Amato, GBFB’s President and CEO. “We are still seeing hunger devastate our communities, as families across Eastern Massachusetts struggle to find enough food for themselves and their children, even as we move beyond the pandemic. To keep pace with this demand, GBFB is calling for an urgent, collective commitment to putting food on the plates of our neighbors who need it this holiday season, and we hope everyone will join us in ending hunger here.”
From November 1 to December 31, GBFB is inviting individuals and teams to donate online at GBFB.org. Fundraising teams – such as local businesses, clubs, church groups, families, and friends – can pool resources to create a fundraising goal together. A $35 donation (increased from $30 last year due inflation costs) provides a complete, healthy holiday meal for a family in need – turkey or another poultry, fresh produce, and traditional side dishes (stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, squash, and apples). GBFB also offers culturally and dietary responsive options where possible.
Stop & Shop joins GBFB in its efforts to abate hunger this winter as the presenting sponsor of the Hunger Free Holidays campaign, pledging to match all gifts up to $350,000 now through December 31. Guinness will join Stop & Shop in support of our Hunger Free Holidays on Giving Tuesday (November 28) by matching all Giving Tuesday donations dollar-for-dollar up to the first $100,000 received.
GBFB will also host its 18th annual Chain of Giving event on November 9 at 9:30 a.m. at its warehouse, inviting state and local dignitaries and community and corporate leaders to unload a delivery truck with frozen turkeys to call attention to the urgent need for holiday food assistance.
More information on our Hunger Free Holidays campaign and how to donate as a team or individual is available at GBFB.org/Holidays.
“Everyone deserves a nutritious holiday meal to enjoy with their loved ones, this year and every year” continued D’Amato. “Please – do not forget those who are desperately in need of our support this holiday season.”
About The Greater Boston Food Bank:
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. As the food bank for Eastern Massachusetts, GBFB is feeding people in 190 towns across the region, distributing the equivalent of nearly 90 million meals through a network of 600 dedicated food distribution partners and programs. A member of the national Feeding America network, GBFB’s mission is to end hunger here. The organization remains committed to the belief that access to healthy food is a human right regardless of an individual’s circumstances. Through policy, partnerships, and providing free, nutritious, and culturally responsive food, GBFB is committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while promoting racial, gender and economic equity in food access. For more information and to help us help others, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.
Media Contact
Nate Hillyer
The Castle Group
M 860.574.5507
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