School-Based Pantries Give More Than Food

GBFB’s School-Based Pantries distribute fresh, healthy food to children and families struggling with hunger. Currently, nine schools in areas of high need across Eastern Massachusetts host these distributions.

But families receive more than food. GBFB’s goal is to have a lasting impact on those we serve. We want to ensure that families can consistently prepare healthy meals. To meet that goal, GBFB provides a variety of nutrition resources at School-Based Pantries, including “Chop, Chop” (a cooking and nutrition magazine for children and families), Click ‘N Cook recipes (in multiple languages) that use food from that day’s distribution, and other nutrition education.

At a recent School-Based Pantry in Billerica, GBFB intern and Simmons College nutrition major Sophie made Oatmeal Banana Apple Muffin samples as an example of a nutritious snack containing whole grains. They were a big hit! By sharing ideas for how to prepare the foods we distribute, GBFB’s nutrition team makes a lasting impact on the health of those we serve.

Providing the most nutritious food

GBFB’s registered dietitians ensure that the food GBFB provides to those in need is nutritious. As a result, 83% of the food we distribute meets the highest nutrition standards as defined by the Choosing Healthy Options (CHOP) ranking system. Plus, 28% of the food we distribute is fresh produce.

Our goal is to ensure that those we serve have the right foods to eat to be healthy and active. You can help: gbfb.org/donate.