Agency: Greater Boston Food Bank

Description:

There are almost 517,000 hungry people in Eastern Massachusetts. It has been estimated that 40% of food in the United States is thrown away. Assist the Greater Boston Food Bank to inspect, sort, and box food to be sent to 600+ hunger relief agencies (food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, etc.). With volunteer efforts, the Food Bank can feed more than 87,000 hungry people per week.

The GBFB has over 650 food sources. One of their connections is with local grocers that donate food that might have been overproduced, incorrectly labeled or packaged, or is not selling well. They also accept donations from restaurants, universities, food drives, and individuals.

Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes.

This project can be physically tiring.

PLEASE NOTE that volunteer sessions will now be taking place in the NEW Food Bank building! Please take note of the new directions when you receive your confirmation emails.

NEW FOOD BANK PROCEDURES IN THE NEW BUILDING:

1. Because of the new sorting area’s machinery, NO LOOSE CLOTHING, dangling jewelry, or loose long hair will be allowed in the sorting area.

2. On Wednesday evenings and Saturdays when the building is locked up, volunteers will come to the front door, but if some are late for their shift, they should call their group leader's cell phone or ring the buzzer at the entrance to the salvage area so they can be let into the building through the far door at the other end of the building.

Kid-friendly, 16+.

T-Accessible, Red Line (Andrew).

This project is reserved for Boston Cares members who have attended an orientation.

All volunteers under 18 years old must bring a Permission Form signed by a parent or guardian to give to the Project Leader. Please email booyah@bostoncares.org or call 617-422-0910 x206 if you would like to bring youth to this project.

Are you interested in bringing donations with you to this event? Click here to view the Greater Boston Food Bank's Wish List.

What Boston Cares members have to say about Sorting Food at the Greater Boston Food Bank:

"It was run very efficiently and I really enjoyed working with all the volunteers there. It felt great to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time." ~Meredith Dishaw

Impact Areas: Homelessness/Hunger

Interests: The interests recommended for this project are:
Hunger & Food, Poverty

Skills: There are no skills specified for this project.