In March, everything changed. For everyone. The streets went quiet. As we came into work everyday at Food For Free, we were constantly reminded of the crises that had hit and the community coming together. Hundreds of volunteers joined us at the senior center every week, support poured in through the mail and online, our inboxes filled with emails offering a hand or a partnership. We were all in this together. The staff here felt that support and it energized us during a very challenging and exhausting time. There was a tremendous shared intensity.

Although for many, that intensity has mellowed as restaurants, stores, and offices reopen,  here at Food For Free, it hasn’t. Hunger is a growing problem. The Greater Boston Food Bank estimates that one in eight Massachusetts residents is now facing hunger. Supply chain issues still arise, boxes for packing food are hard to come by, our programs need to be re-invented with each season, we can’t plan ahead due to all the unknowns, and hunger is continuing to rise. Pre-pandemic, we had a strong foundation of programs serving the need and we were excited each time we enhanced a program or added a new one, feeling we were growing our impact. It now sometimes feels like we are doing everything we can just to keep up with the growing demand. The “excitement” of those first few months has passed, the shared experience we were all a part of is dissipating and it can be hard to remember the importance of our impact.

I was feeling that way one day recently and decided to “check my math”. I knew we were all working so hard and wanted to try to buoy the team by reminding them of the impact they’re having. I was amazed by the numbers I uncovered. I want to share a few examples with you given that we couldn’t do this without the ongoing support of the community. So here it is!

• Last year, we held one summer market a week for 5 weeks. This year we are holding 8 to 9 summer markets a week for 8 weeks.
• Last year we served 160 Home Delivery households with the help of 12 volunteers each weekend. This year, we’re serving 360 with 44 volunteers.
• Last year between March and June, we distributed just over 700,000 pounds of food. This year…. wait for it…. 1.7 million!

Our work is more critical now than ever. Hunger has increased 59% and as the eviction moratorium and additional unemployment benefits come to an end, that number will grow higher. Sometimes we can feel like this is an uphill battle. It truly is the community support that keeps us going and that makes this so worthwhile. Not only the financial support we receive, but your likes and shares on facebook, the kind note we receive occasionally, and your hands at work beside us as volunteers. Thank you and keep the love coming!