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I have been volunteering with the GBFB since December 2014. They are professional and well-run. I highly recommend them.
I am a family physician, and I care for many patients with hypertension, diabetes, or both. At the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, we realized that many of our patients could not afford healthy food. We started screening all patients with the Hunger Vital Sign and learned that 67% of our patients were food insecure! We partnered with Greater Boston Food Bank and Project Bread to offer a monthly mobile market and assistance with SNAP enrollment on-site at the health center.
My patient Mr. C chose between buying medications and buying food every month: his diabetes and hypertension were out of control, and every visit with him I felt like I was talking past him. Why adjust medications he couldn't afford? Why would he keep coming back if I couldn't actually improve his health? We were both frustrated. Once the health center made these partnerships, I immediately helped Mr. C register for the GBFB mobile market and told him about Neighbors in Need, a local food pantry. Now I see him--and 450 other patients--picking up 25lbs of fresh produce once per month. Mr. C and I always hug when I hand him his fruits or veggies, and I finally feel like I'm treating his diabetes: his blood sugar is at goal for the first time in years! Offering my patients access to food has made me a better doctor.
Not long ago, I introduced myself to another patient for our first visit, and he interrupted me: "I know who you are Dr. Quinn. You're the vegetable lady!!" He had seen me volunteering with GBFB. I have never been prouder of a title than I am of "Vegetable Lady."
Review from #MyGivingStory
Catherine's take is $385,500 as of 2 years ago and could be much higher with expenses. She has a BA in religion so must spend much time genuflecting on pay day!!!! All food products are donated by the pallet load or wrap sheet. She is ludicrously over compensated. 8 grand a week into her pocket!!! How many apples, chickens, beef patties, salads etc. could be given to the needy if this preposterous amount were made rational? What kind of board would approve this shocking lunacy???? A great cause run amuck.
The Greater Boston Food Bank is wonderfully efficient, using top-notch technology and infrastructure to distribute donated food, and food that would otherwise be wasted, to pantries, shelters, and other food assistance programs throughout eastern Massachusetts. They feed more people per dollar by using scale and media connections to pull massive corporate donations, and are pioneers in the distribution of fresh produce to the hungry. GBFB isn't a feelgood mill for white-guilt-ridden students to work off their privilege to dubious effect. It's a well-oiled machine, and it works. It's what Massachusetts needs.
I think it is shocking that the CEO receives $380K + fringe benefits. She is highlighted every year on Chanel 5 as an overly paid CEO.
Review from CharityNavigator