Food Link: Rescuing Fresh Food for People and the Environment
| Grant Information | |
|---|---|
| Requested | 15000 |
| Granted | 1800.00 |
| Categories | Environment |
| Location | United States |
| Grant Cycle | 2025 |
| Organization Info | |
|---|---|
| 501c3 Organization | FOOD LINK INC |
| Sponsored Organization | Food Link Inc |
| Organization Website | https://www.foodlinkma.org/ |
| Grant Description | |
|---|---|
| Description | Food Link respectfully requests a $15,000 grant to strengthen food access for vulnerable populations across Greater Boston while advancing systemic solutions to food insecurity. This past year marked a pivotal moment for Food Link. We rescued 1.6 million pounds of food – our highest volume ever – valued at $3.14 million, providing 1.34 million meals to 150,000 individuals through 120 partner agencies. As we implement a strategic expansion plan this coming year, we are positioning Food Link to address both immediate hunger and its root causes through innovative partnerships and infrastructure development. Food Link's work directly aligns with the Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation's commitment to honoring all people and the environment that sustains us. Your support will enable Food Link to explore partnerships with wholesale and prepared food producers who can provide greater amounts of surplus, and collaborate with the YMCA of Greater Boston’ Collaborative Food Access Hub to establish satellite cold storage capacity in underserved neighborhoods. These efforts will help us serve the 30+ agencies currently on our waitlist while ensuring that 150,000 residents of Boston receive culturally appropriate, nutritious food with dignity and choice. |
| Used for | Funding empowers almost 1,000 volunteers to recover healthy food from retail and wholesale sources. $3 of food per dollar spent feeds neighbors, saves 148 million gallons of water, and keeps 27 tons of methane from landfills. |
| Benefits | Food Link creates a more equitable food system throughout Greater Boston by rescuing and distributing high-quality, customized food to under-resourced communities and by advocating for systems change. As federal nutrition programs face dramatic cuts and economic pressures continue to strain household budgets, community-based solutions become even more critical. Food Link's volunteer-powered model demonstrates how communities can mobilize to address local needs efficiently and effectively. |