GBFB Welcomes Culinary Icons for its Inaugural Taste of the Food Bank (2024)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Greater Boston Food Bank Welcomes Culinary Icons for its Inaugural Taste of the Food Bank

Experience the food of beloved chefs Jody Adams, Steve DiFillippo, Michael Schlow, Joanne Chang, Douglass Williams and many more, alongside over 500 business and community leaders, foodies, philanthropists, and local influencers

BOSTON, MA(August 14, 2024)–In an effort to combat rising food insecurity in Eastern Massachusetts, The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is partnering with some of the region’s leading chefs, companies and philanthropists to raise $1 million which will provide two million nutritious meals to our neighbors in need. Set in GBFB’s Yawkey Distribution Center in Boston, the inaugural Taste of the Food Bank will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

Taste of the Food Bank will be hosted by culinary icons and longtime GBFB supporters, Jody Adams and Steve DiFillippo. Adams, a two-time James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur, owns and operates nine restaurants with A Street Hospitality and partners Eric Papachristos and Jon Mendez. A Street recently opened the highly regarded La Padrona in the Raffles Hotel in Boston’s Back Bay. DiFillippo, chef/owner of Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse with eleven locations including Back Bay Boston and Boston’s Seaport, is the author of ‘It’s All About the Guest: Exceeding Expectations in Business and in Life, the Davio’s Way’. He is a Massachusetts Restaurant Hall of Fame inductee and Restaurateur of the Year, who will celebrate 40 years in the industry in May 2025. The two have curated a lineup of the region’s top restaurateurs, mixologists, and rising stars, drawing from the area’s most notable chefs, brewers, wine purveyors, and spirit vendors.

“This is going to be an incredible night of culinary excellence all coming together in the heartbeat of what helps us fuel the nutritional needs of so many families across Eastern Massachusetts – our GBFB warehouse,” said Catherine D’Amato, president and CEO of GBFB. “We distributed more than 104 million pounds of healthy food last year – that’s over 87 million meals – and it all starts right here in these four walls. The restaurant community has always been such an important source of support for GBFB. Together we’re turning passion into action and significantly impacting our community.”

According to GBFB’s most recent statewide study done in collaboration with Mass General Brigham, 1.9 million adults in Massachusetts identify as food insecure – meaning one in three Massachusetts adults do not know where their next meal is coming from.

“I am honored to co-chair such a wonderful evening alongside so many talented chefs to bring attention to the rising number of those affected by food insecurity,” said Jody Adams, chef and co-host of Taste of the Food Bank. “Together, we can make a difference in our community by bringing everyone together to fight hunger.”

Taste of the Food Bank will allow guests to sample some of the region’s most authentic and diverse foods and beverages while also helping GBFB meet its fundraising goals. A live auction and short speaking program will highlight GBFB’s essential role as the engine that drives our hunger-relief system in Eastern Massachusetts.

“I don’t think you could ask for a better lineup here,” said Steve DiFillippo, chef and co-host of Taste of the Food Bank. “We’re bringing together the best of the region when it comes to your favorite dining experiences – all under one roof. Jody and I are so grateful for Catherine and the entire GBFB team, who work round the clock to keep families fed. Thank you for allowing us to collaborate on what will be a fantastic evening, all while playing a crucial role in the fight against hunger.”

Taste of the Food Bank, produced by AJ Events, is made possible by presenting sponsors MFS Investments, Joanna and Nigel Travis, and Ted and Kathy Truscott. Event partners include Boston Common Magazine, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Joel Gott Wines.

Jeremy Sewall, Row 34

Dante De Magistris, il Casale Belmont/Lexington

Karen Akunowicz, Bar Volpe

Hai Feng Huang, Douzo Modern Japanese Restaurant and Lounge

Jen Royle, TABLE Restaurant, Mercato & Caffé

Peter Nguyễn, Lê Madeline

Nic Gordon, SHŌJŌ

Douglass Williams, MIDA

Marga Raffucci, Sorellina

Roberta Sisca, The Banks Seafood and Steak

Danny K. Levesque, SAVR Spirited American Bistro

Brian Poe, The Tip Tap Room

Jennifer Park, Forge Baking Co. & Ice Cream Bar

Kelly Snogles, Granary Tavern

Chelven Randolph, Nosh and Grog Restaurant

Josh Ziskin, La Morra & Punch Bowl

Danny G., Eva’s Pastries

Philip Schein, Fazenda Coffee Roasters

Nic Calias, Lucie Drink & Dine

Rhonda Kallman, Boston Harbor Distillery

About The Greater Boston Food Bank:

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and one of the largest food banks in the country. For nearly half a century, GBFB has fueled Eastern Massachusetts’ hunger-relief system, putting nearly 90 million healthy meals on tables across the region each year. Over 600 community-based pantries and other local partners in 190 cities and towns depend on GBFB to provide access to healthy food for 600,000 people every month. GBFB is committed to the belief that access to healthy food is a human right regardless of an individual’s circ*mstances. Through policy, partnerships, and providing free, nutritious, and culturally responsive food, GBFB is committed to addressing the root causes of food insecurity while promoting racial, gender and economic equity in food access. Together, we have the power to end hunger here. For more information and to help us help others, visit us at GBFB.org, follow us on Facebook, X (@gr8bosfoodbank) and Instagram, or call us at 617.427.5200.

Media Contact

Nate Hillyer

The Castle Group

860.574.5507

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GBFB Welcomes Culinary Icons for its Inaugural Taste of the Food Bank (2024)

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