From Left to Right: John Smith-St. Cyere of Camfield Estates, Jessica Cantin, the new CEO of Food For Free, and Justice Kumahia of Bunker Hill Community College. ~Photo by D. J. Baker

Last week, more than 300 supporters, donors, and community members gathered for Party Under the Harvest Moon, hosted by Food For Free. The annual event raised $170,000 to support the nonprofit’s year-round food rescue and redistribution efforts in 27 communities across Eastern Massachusetts.

During the event, guests met Food For Free’s new CEO Jessica Cantin who expressed her excitement to join the team. Representatives from two of the nonprofit’s 115 food distribution partners, John Smith-St. Cyere, Program Coordinator at Camfield Estates, Justice Kumahia, Dean of Students at Bunker Hill Community College, spoke about the importance of donated food deliveries transported by Food For Free.

“Our esteemed community partners’ stories underscore not just the value of what we provide, but the absolute necessity of our work here at Food For Free,” said Jessica Cantin, CEO of Food For Free. “Together, with the continued support of our donors and community members, we will ensure that every individual in Eastern Massachusetts has reliable access to fresh and nutritious food.”

The atmosphere at MIT’s Walker Memorial Building was that of community. Guests enjoyed beverages and heavy appetizers by Something Savory, donated beverages from Cambridge Brewing Company, Lamplighter Brewing Company and Tito’s Vodka, a silent auction, and live music by an MIT student jazz quartet. Members from across the community were in attendance, from Barbara August, one of the co-founders of Food For Free who recently renewed her commitment to volunteer with us, to several students, alums and staff members of Bunker Hill Community College who attended the event in various capacities as volunteers, guest speakers, and special guests.

Each year, Party Under the Harvest Moon raises critical funding in support of the nonprofit’s innovative programs that address nutrition insecurity. Founded in 1981 as one of the nation’s first food rescue organizations, the nonprofit now serves more than 150,000 food-insecure Massachusetts residents and distributes 7.5 million pounds of nutritious fresh and prepared foods annually.

Currently, 1 in 3 adults in Massachusetts does not have enough to eat on a regular basis. Hunger in America isn’t just a lack of access to food, it’s a lack of access to nutrition. Today’s inflation not only makes it harder for people to afford higher priced fresh fruits and vegetables, but also increases the costs for hunger relief organizations to make purchases and transport goods to those in need. That’s where Food For Free comes in.

“Thanks to our partnership with Food For Free, we are able to help combat food insecurity,” said Smith-St. “Food For Free is essential to improving the quality of life for residents in Lower Roxbury.”

Food For Free acquires rescued, donated, and purchased food from a number of sources to meet the increased demand to ensure everyone in the community—regardless of age, income, or ability—has consistent access to nutrition. For more information, visit: www.foodforfree.org.