Catherine D’Amato has been a steady force in the fight against hunger in Massachusetts for over thirty years. As the leader of the Greater Boston Food Bank, she has overseen incredible changes. Now, as she prepares to retire, the food bank is in search of a new chief executive to guide its mission.
D’Amato’s retirement comes at a pivotal moment. Recently, federal cutbacks have made it harder for many families to afford food. To address this, Governor Maura Healey formed an anti-hunger task force, highlighting the increasing importance of organizations like the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Under D’Amato’s leadership, the food bank transformed from primarily relying on food donations to purchasing most of its supplies with donated funds. This shift allows the bank to provide better quality, more nutritious food. D’Amato emphasized this “pivot to purchase,” stating that it’s about being strategic with food offerings.
During her tenure, the food bank expanded its distribution significantly. Today, it delivers over 110 million pounds of food each year—equivalent to around 90 million meals—supporting over 600 food pantries across 190 cities and towns in Eastern Massachusetts.
Experts have acknowledged her impact. U.S. Representative Jim McGovern noted her significant role in advocating for nutritious and culturally appropriate food, while Lee Pelton from the Boston Foundation called D’Amato a “national treasure.”
The food bank also plays a crucial role in policy discussions. Its annual food access report reveals that one in three households in Massachusetts is worried about food security. This startling statistic underlines the urgent need for continued efforts in the field.
Despite her upcoming retirement, D’Amato isn’t stepping away from the cause. She plans to continue her work on the anti-hunger task force and stay active in various community initiatives, including LGBTQ causes and music.
D’Amato’s legacy is one of compassion and commitment. She leaves behind a well-prepared organization that is ready to tackle the ongoing challenges of hunger. As she said, “We’ve made enormous progress. It’s not anytime soon that we can give up on this.”
For more insights on the hunger crisis and the impactful work being done, you can check out reports from the Greater Boston Food Bank and studies conducted with Mass General Brigham.
