Presently, 48% of households in Hampden County and 37% of households in Franklin and Hampshire Counties are identified as food insecure (Greater Boston Food Bank). Poverty, soaring inflation on top of already-high prices of nutritious food, U.S. subsidies on cash crops that underlie the production of junk and fast food, insufficient or non-existent public transportation, and the absence of grocery stores in many communities are just a few of the issues underlying hunger statistics.
Meanwhile, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, “Roughly one third of the food produced in the world for human consumption every year — approximately 1.3 billion tons — gets lost or wasted.” In the United States, food waste is estimated to be between 30 and 40% of the food supply. Most of this surplus food ends up decomposing in landfills, releasing methane and contributing to climate change.
At Rachel’s Table, six days per week, more than 200 volunteers collect surplus food from local supermarkets, restaurants, caterers and bakeries, and deliver it to more than 65+ agencies that serve community members impacted by food insecurity. These agencies include food pantries, shelters, after school programs, community meals, and more. Every month, Rachel’s Table delivers between 50,000 and 70,000 pounds of food.
In October 2022, Rachel’s Table purchased a refrigerated van to increase our food rescue efforts. This acquisition was made possible by Senator Eric Lesser, Representative Brian Ashe, Senator Adam Gomez, and others. The van allows us to deliver perishable and nutrient-dense items like meat, milk, and cheese more frequently and in greater quantities – items that are often requested by the agencies we partner with.
Want to learn How To Help? Find out how to donate food, funds, or time here.
