Cambridge has earned a reputation as well-managed and compassionate. But hidden in this vibrant com- munity is a sobering reality: too many residents living with food insecurity. Filling this gap since 1981 is Food For Free. The Cambridge-based nonprofit is a long- time partner of Cambridge Community Foundation in addressing urgent need. Here are some numbers attesting to that need— and to Food For Free’s impact. • They deliver 2 million pounds of food (that’s 1.7 million meals) to 30,000 people in 11 communities in Greater Boston through the year; • An innovative program sends backpacks of groceries home with almost 500 Cambridge students who would otherwise go hungry; and • Home Delivery brings meals to low-income seniors and people with disabilities living in Cambridge. Along the way, Food For Free has built a network of allies, from the Greater Boston Food Bank to local schools, service organizations and companies. Google has been one generous source among many corporate donors, says Sasha Purpura, the organization’s executive director. And Harvard has led with donations of prepared foods repackaged for those who struggle to make their own meals. The ultimate impact of Food For Free emerges in testimony from their partners. Organizations serving needy residents (for example East End House, Vinfen, On The Rise) express gratitude as it makes nutritious food a reality. In the words of AIDS Action Committee, “There are times when the food we receive from Food For Free is the only food our clients will eat that day. The importance of that cannot be overstated.” Need in the middle of plenty describes the challenge for many Cambridge families. Those who struggle to put food on the table find help with Food For Free. Photo courtesy of Food For Free. 11 PARTNER STORY Food For Free Makes a Nutritious Difference in Many Lives