The Greater Boston Food Bank is greatly expanding the number of households they are able to serve with the redesign and expanded services of a new “cross-dock” by their distribution partner Proactive Philanthropy located in the North End of New Bedford at 25 – 51 King St., New Bedford.
The pandemic has resulted in a dramatic increase in food insecurity throughout Eastern Massachusetts, the South Coast and Cape Cod, a pantry spokesman noted. Working together, the two organizations are redesigning the facility in New Bedford to add food storage, refrigeration, work areas to prepare family-sized food packages, and loading docks to serve the estimated 66 percent more people who are now food insecure.
Proactive Philanthropy’s expanded 25,000 square foot cross-dock accommodates four 18-wheeler, trailer trucks on a weekly basis.
“This new cross-dock distribution set up on the South Coast has been a critical resource, helping GBFB keep up with the increased demand for food,” said Jonathan Tetrault, vice president of Community Impact at GBFB. “The streamlined and expansive space has really made a significant difference, helping to save valuable time and money for our member agencies in the region.”
“We are delighted that we have the capacity, knowledge and capabilities to help The Greater Boston Food Bank and our South Coast community,” added Ed McPherson of Proactive Philanthropy. “We look forward to continue looking for additional opportunities to partner with GBFB to help serve our neighbors in need.”
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country.
