How We Work
The Greater Boston Food Bank operates from our 117,000-square-foot Yawkey Distribution Center in South Boston. This is where over 61.8 million pounds of healthy food passes through before being distributed across Eastern Massachusetts through more than 500 partner agencies and 70 direct distribution programs. Partner agencies include organizations such as:
- Food pantries
- Soup Kitchens and Meal Programs
- Senior Centers, and more
Our partner agencies place food orders through our online inventory system and pick up their orders at our warehouse. Some partner agencies are located too far from our warehouse for regular pick-ups or have transportation challenges. GBFB operates several cross-dock locations across Eastern Massachusetts to accommodate these challenges by bringing food to convenient, central locations to ensure these agencies get the critical food that their community members in need rely on.
Food is acquired through food industry product donations and financial contributions that enable us to purchase quality, high-nutrient food. Last year, we distributed 61.8 million pounds of food, enough to provide 51 million healthy meals. Each month, approximately 143,000 people eat something from GBFB.
The importance of our mission to end hunger here has driven us to operate to the highest standards of efficiency. As a result, every dollar donated enables GBFB to provide food for three nutritious meals.
GBFB acquires food through food industry partners and financial donations.
Food is sorted, stored and packed in our state-of-the art 117,000 sq. ft. facility in Boston’s Newmarket area.
Food is redistributed to our network of more than 500 partner agencies. Over 31% of the food we provide is fresh produce and 79% meets the highest nutritional standards.
Children, families and seniors in need receive food for healthy meals—and hope for brighter futures.