addByline("Kelsey Keena","Celtics.com");
BOSTON – Thursday marked the start of Feeding America’s nationwide campaign known as Hunger Action Month. Throughout the month of September, hunger relief organizations across America will be mobilizing local communities to take action on the issue of hunger.
The Greater Boston Food Bank is leading the charge as eastern Massachusetts’ Feeding America agency.
On Thursday afternoon, the Celtics CommUNITY Crew partnered up with TD Bank to raise awareness at the Greater Boston Food Bank warehouse. They were joined by C’s rookie R.J. Hunter, alumnus Leon Powe and team mascot Lucky, who volunteered alongside employees from TD Bank to launch the month-long initiative.
Hunger rates are rising annually, according to GBFB reports which reveal that one in nine eastern Massachusetts residents are categorized as being food insecure. In an effort to aid those with limited resources, the GBFB makes an annual commitment to supply nutritious meals to local food relief organizations.
“It is incredibility important as a parent, myself,” said TD Bank Retail Market Manager Jessica Bowers upon hearing about the GBFB’s promise to provide quality foods to families. “The Greater Boston Food Bank is committed to making sure we nourish our community.”
During Thursday’s event, volunteers assisted with the daily operations of the warehouse by sorting through donated grocery items to prepare food for meal distribution. By the day’s conclusion, the group managed to sort through over 4,250 pounds of food, which provided more than 3,450 meals for eastern Massachusetts families.
In his first solo community appearance as a Celtic, Hunter expressed how humbling of an experience it has been to feel support so quickly from fans.
“The Boston feel has a family feel to it,” explained Hunter, “so when I came to support today’s volunteer effort, I didn’t feel like I was solo. I told myself when I came to Boston I was going to help out in the community and [I] look forward to carrying out that Celtic pride.”
To find out ways in which you can support your local community’s efforts during Hunger Action Month, please visit gbfb.org.