Our History
During the Great Depression, Kip Tiernan’s grandmother opened her kitchen to feed people in need. At that time people would mark an “X” on the sidewalk outside their homes to signify a safe place to get help. Kip saw firsthand how simple acts of kindness could help people through dark times.
In 1974, Kip started to distribute food from her station wagon to those in need and later founded what we now know as The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB). From these humble beginnings, we have grown into the leading hunger-relief agency in New England and one of the largest in the country.
Today GBFB provides over 61.8 million pounds of healthy food each year, feeding more than 142,000 people each month.
We continue to pay tribute to our history with an “X” at the main entrance of our lobby, indicating that GBFB remains a safe place to get help.
Historic Moments
1974
Kip Tiernan starts what is now known as The Greater Boston Food Bank by distributing food from the back of her station wagon.
1982
GBFB becomes a member of the America’s Second Harvest (now known as Feeding America).
1999
GBFB exceeds 100 million total pounds of food distributed.
2009
GBFB moves into our new 117,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility, the Yawkey Distribution Center.
2011
GBFB announces it will increase annual food distribution by 3.5 million pounds to provide at least One Meal a Day to everyone at risk of hunger in Eastern Massachusetts.
2015
GBFB reaches milestone of 600 million pounds of food distributed.