Food For Free improves access to healthy food through establishing innovative programming and partnerships to overcome barriers and strengthen the community food system.
We believe that access to healthy food is a fundamental right. We envision a future where everyone in our community – regardless of age, income, or ability – has consistent access to fresh, healthy, delicious food.
Through a combination of food rescue and transportation services, we give food programs year-round access to fresh fruits and vegetables, while our direct service programs bring food to students, seniors, and others most at risk of hunger. Our programs address not only short-term hunger, but also the long-term health effects of food insecurity and poor nutrition, while reducing food waste.
Food For Free began in 1981 with a focus on “bridging the gap between waste and want” when a group of friends realized that local meal programs were struggling to put food on their tables. With borrowed trucks, these volunteers gathered fruit, vegetables, and bread—food that would have been thrown away—and delivered it to meal programs, pantries, and shelters. Over the next two years, this volunteer effort gained the support of established non-profits and local government. Food For Free was incorporated in 1983 and received 501(c)(3) status in 1985.
Since those early days, Food For Free has grown into a recognized leader in addressing food insecurity whose efficiency and integrity serve as an example to other like-minded organizations, both large and small. Today we use logistics, innovation and our partnerships with donors, volunteers and over 100 organizations to bring nutritious food to 150,000 people in Eastern Massachusetts each year.
Stay in touch with us to find out more about news, program updates, and opportunities to support our work. Thanks to your support we are able to positively impact the lives of 150,000 of your neighbors across Eastern MA!
Check out our four star rating on Charity Navigator!
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