Food For Free, the leading food rescue and distribution nonprofit dedicated to providing reliable access to fresh and nutritious food to Eastern Massachusetts communities, is now the recipient of a new refrigerated van. The vehicle was gifted to the Somerville and Cambridge-based nonprofit organization through Whole Foods Market’s Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program to support picking up fresh food and redistributing it to those in need.

“This refrigerated van will be an asset to our food rescue and distribution efforts for years to come,” says Tim Cavaretta, Director of Operations at Food For Free. “We are so grateful for Whole Foods Market’s investment in our shared mission to increase access to healthy foods in the communities we serve.”

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. Founded in 1981 as one of the nation’s first food rescue organizations, Food For Free now serves more than 132,000 Massachusetts residents who are food insecure and distributes over 6.2 million pounds of nutritious fresh and prepared foods annually.

“We’re so thrilled to expand our relationship with Food For Free and further support their food rescue efforts to nourish the community,” said Jonny Rose, Senior Specialist, Community Giving & Engagement for Whole Foods Market. “This van will help transport rescued food to neighbors in need and also reduce food waste, creating a long-term positive impact within the community.”

Whole Foods Market launched Nourishing Our Neighborhoods in September 2020 and has donated more than 50 refrigerated vans to food rescue partners organizations to transport food to communities across the U.S. and Canada. These food rescue partners Recipient organizations participate in the company’s Grocery Rescue Program – picking up food from their stores weekly and redistributing it to feed neighbors fresh, high-quality food as quickly as possible. To learn more about Whole Foods Market’s Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program, visit:: https://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/community-giving/nourishing-our-neighborhoods/

About Food For Free:

Food For Free is a Cambridge and Somerville-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing eastern Massachusetts with reliable access to fresh and nutritious food. Food For Free accomplishes its mission through food rescue, partnerships with schools, colleges, and community food programs, and our own direct service programs. To learn more, visit us at www.foodforfree.org, or follow Food For Free on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @foodforfreeorg.