b'Helping Our Partners SucceedThe emergence of COVID-19 has changed our normal way of life, including the seemingly simple act of giving healthy food to someone in need. To help maintain the safety of our partner agencies, their volunteers, and the growing number of people seeking food assistance, GBFB helped many of our agencies transition to a contact-free operation where prepackaged boxes of foodPhoto courtesy of YMCA Southcoastare dropped off in peoples cars or available for clients to pick up from a safe distance. In many cases, GBFB helpedOne woman arrived toward the end of our first market and create completely new mobile distributions. told me she had just lost her job and didnt know how she was going to afford food, Stephanie said. She was so grateful for In Fall River, one of the highest-need areas we serve, GBFBwhat we were giving her. worked with YMCA Southcoast to create a new drive-through distribution in the city in a matter of days.In addition to the new distribution in Fall River, we have helped more than 18 organizations launch new food resources Stephanie Mancini, executive director of YMCA Southcoast,for their communities in Eastern Massachusetts. Your generous said the partnership has been a success since day one.gift will help us keep our hunger-relief network strong.Volunteers Make A DifferenceThe COVID-19 crisis has caused disruptions to organizationsWe are still accepting volunteers and following strict CDC across the globe, and The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB)guidelines to ensure everyones safety. Volunteers are is no exception. Volunteers are a critical part of our operation,provided with disposable gloves and are working in small helping us get food from our warehouse to those who need it most.groups, safely distanced from one another. Last year, over 21,000 volunteers came to GBFB, sortingWith more of our partner agencies offering contact-free, and packing over 4.5 million pounds of food, the equivalent ofgrab-and-go box distributions, volunteering is even more 3.8 million meals. Earlier this year, we saw a significant dropimportant to what we do. in volunteers as large groups from local universities and businesses were forced to cancel their shifts.You can learn more about the volunteer opportunities at GBFB, as well as opportunities at hunger-relief organizations Volunteers are needed now more than ever. We wouldnt bein your own town, on our website at:able to serve Eastern Massachusetts without them, said Erin DLoughy, senior manager of community engagement at GBFB.GBFB .org/volunteer4'