FAQs

Why did The Food Bank need additional space?
How much food can the new Food Bank distribute to hungry people?
What is the address of the new Food Bank?
How much did the new Food Bank cost?
Is the new Food Bank a "green" building?

How is The Food Bank paying for its new home?

The Food Bank has financing. Why should I give now?
Who was the architect for the new building?
When did The Food Bank move into its new facility?
How can I help The Food Bank reach its goal?

Why did The Food Bank need additional space?

The Greater Boston Food Bank simply outgrew its old facility. In the past twelve years, we’ve increased
our distribution from 9.7 million pounds a year to more than 30 million. We literally ran out of room. Even though we are distributing more than 30 million pounds of food and grocery products annually, unfortunately we are still not close to meeting the need for emergency food assistance in our community. 

In the past twelve years, the number of people we serve has more than doubled. Our 2006 “Hunger in Eastern Massachusetts” study showed the numbers are getting worse, not better.

• In Massachusetts, the unemployment rate is 8.0 percent.

• Since October 2008, 11 percent more people have sought food at food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters supplied by The Greater Boston Food Bank.

• One in nine residents has sought emergency food.

• Every week over 83,000 adults, children and seniors in eastern Massachusetts eat food provided by The Greater Boston Food Bank.

Hunger is solvable. There is more than enough food available, and The Food Bank is the critical link between those who have food to give and those who need it most. 

How much food can the new Food Bank distribute to hungry people?

Our new 117,000-square-foot building will allow us to significantly increase our distribution over the next 15 years, accommodating a total of 50 million pounds of food a 67% increase over our old facility.  In addition, we will gain more freezer and cooler space, refrigerated docks, and refrigerated shopping areas for our member hunger-relief agencies. This will enable us — in the first year alone — to increase by 15% the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and other nutrient-rich perishable foods we distribute.

What is the address of the new Food Bank?

The Greater Boston Food Bank is located at 70 South Bay Avenue, just across the street from its previous facility at 99 Atkinson Street in the Newmarket area of Boston.

How much did the new Food Bank cost?

Our Board of Directors authorized a budget of approximately $35 million for the project, which has been met.

Is the new facility a “green” building?

Yes the building was constructed with “green” energy efficient technologies.

• A solar wall heats and cools part of the building without the use of electricity.
• A 200 ft light monitor directs sunlight into the warehouse to light the space.
• An ambient air system brings cool, outside air into the cooler, reducing compressor load.
• The mechanical lifts at the docks use compressed air rather than toxic hydraulic lift fluid.
• The facility was constructed on what was once a municipal incinerator site. Brownfield remediation provided opportunity to build.

How is The Food Bank paying for its new home?

Our capital campaign, Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope: The Campaign for a New Food Bank has raised approximately $25 million for our new distribution center through the support of the community. Due to the tough economy all non-profits are facing, we financed the remaining $10 million to give us time to meet our fundraising goal for the project of $35 million.

The Food Bank has financing. Why should I give now?

While the financing we secured is tax exempt, it is not without significant cost. By finishing the campaign, The Food Bank can save money — and direct what would have been the cost of financing toward providing more food to those in need.

Who was the architect for the new building?

Chan, Krieger, Sieniewicz of Cambridge, MA which received the 2007 American Institute of Architecture Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design.

When did The Food Bank move into its new facility?

We broke ground on the new building in the fall of 2007 and we moved in late April 2009. 

How can I help The Food Bank reach its goals?

Make a donation to Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope: The Campaign for a New Food Bank today!


Thank you for your support!