Taste of the Food Bank Returns with Premiere Lineup of Culinary Artistry to Combat Rising Food Insecurity in Eastern Massachusetts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Taste of the Food Bank Returns with Premiere Lineup of Culinary Artistry to Combat Rising Food Insecurity in Eastern Massachusetts
Experience the food of beloved chefs Jody Adams, Steve DiFillippo, and over 30 others, including some of this year’s James Beard Award Semifinalists, alongside over 500 business leaders, foodies, philanthropists, and local influencers
BOSTON, MA (March 18, 2025) – Taste of the Food Bank is making a highly anticipated return this spring, bringing an even bigger and bolder culinary experience to New England’s largest hunger-relief organization. The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is pleased to announce Taste of the Food Bank will take place at GBFB’s Yawkey Distribution Center on Thursday, May 8. The expanded culinary celebration will offer unforgettable culinary artistry, immersive experiences, live entertainment, and aim to raise $1 million to fuel a vast food distribution network that empowers our neighbors in need to live better, healthier lives.
Taste of the Food Bank will once again be hosted by culinary icons and longtime GBFB supporters, Jody Adams and Steve DiFillippo, with over 30 chefs, mixologists, wine, brewers, and spirit producers coming together as hunger-relief champions. This year’s lineup will be filled with critically acclaimed chefs showcasing Boston’s 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists, and the always dynamic culinary scene of Eastern Massachusetts.
“Taste of the Food Bank is such a special event for us—it’s where our amazing culinary community comes together to support our mission of ending hunger here,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of GBFB. “We believe that hunger shouldn’t be business as usual, so we are once again, for just one night, transforming our distribution center into a venue for culinary excellence to raise critical funds and illustrate that by working together we have the power to end hunger for everyone in our community.”
According to GBFB’s latest statewide study conducted in partnership with Mass General Brigham, 1.9 million adults in Massachusetts identify as food insecure, which means 1 in 3 Massachusetts adults do not know where their next meal will come from.
“We are honored to partner with GBFB alongside so many talented chefs to bring attention to the rising number of those affected by food insecurity,” said Steve DiFillippo, chef and co-host of Taste of the Food Bank. “Together, we can make a difference in our community by bringing everyone together.”
“We take great pride in offering a lineup that honors diversity in food, talent, and restaurants, while also providing wine, spirits, and unique experiences to support The Greater Boston Food Bank,” said Jody Adams, chef and co-host of Taste of the Food Bank. “Not only do Steve and I believe that everyone deserves access to fresh and nourishing meals, but we also believe that Taste of the Food Bank serves as a vital platform to uplift and celebrate the Eastern Mass hospitality industry, while connecting key chefs, culinary leaders, and everyone to this worthy charitable cause.”
AJ Events produces Taste of the Food Bank, which is made possible by presenting sponsors MFS Investments, Joanna and Nigel Travis, and Ted and Kathy Truscott in support of Columbia Threadneedle Investments. Event partners include Boston Common Magazine, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Joel Gott Wines.
Tickets are now on sale with early bird specials lasting until April 1. You can purchase tickets or become a sponsor by visiting tasteofthefoodbank.com. Stay up to date on the full culinary lineup and schedule of events on Facebook, Instagram, and X using @gr8bosfoodbank. #tasteofthefoodbank.
Taste of the Food Bank
Thursday, May 8, 2025
6:00–10:00 p.m.
Yawkey Distribution Center
70 South Bay Avenue
Boston, MA 02118
Confirmed Culinary Lineup as of March 18, 2025:
Rodney Murillo, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
Alavee Hassan, Trade
Michael Schlow, Seamark Seafood & Cocktails
Joanne Chang, Flour Bakery + Cafe
Douglass Williams, MIDA
Andy Husbands, The Smoke Shop BBQ
Robert Sisca, The Banks Seafood and Steak
Carl Dooley, Mooncusser/Moon Bar
Karen Akunowicz, Bar Volpe
Dante De Magistris, Il Casale
Alex Interiano, Ostra
Alex Penida + Noe Ortega, Que Mas
Erin Miller, Urban Hearth
Conor Denehy + Danielle Ayer, Talulla Cambridge
Cassie Piuma, Sarma Restaurant
Josh Ziskin, La Morra & Punch Bowl
Peter Nguyễn, Le Madeline
Jeremy Sewall, Row 34
Jennifer Park, Forge Baking CO. & Ice Cream Bar
John Fraser, The Vermillion Club and The Lineup
Nick Calias, Lucie Drink & Dine
James Newell, Ocean Prime
Nic Gordon, Shojo
Brian Poe, The Tip Tap Room
Philip Schein, Fazenda Coffee Roasters
Robert Harris, Season to Taste
Rhonda Kallman, Boston Harbor Distillery
Danny K. Levesque, SVR Spirited American Bistro
China Pearl
Patricia Estorino, Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge
Refaat Ghostine, Marcelino’s, Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine
Chef Images are available upon request.
About The Greater Boston Food Bank:
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and one of the largest food banks in the country. For nearly half a century, GBFB has fueled Eastern Massachusetts’ hunger-relief system, putting nearly 90 million healthy meals on tables across the region each year. Over 600 community-based pantries and other local partners in 190 cities and towns depend on GBFB to provide access to healthy food for 600,000 people every month. GBFB is 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. Together, we have the power to end hunger here. For more information and to help us help others, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, X (@gr8bosfoodbank), LinkedIn and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.
Media Contact
Nate Hillyer
The Castle Group
860.574.5507
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