Food Link

Accepted Items

Details

Food Link's mission

Food Link is working to create a more equitable food system throughout Greater Boston by rescuing and distributing high-quality, customized food to under-resourced communities and by advocating for systems change.

What we do

Food Link is a food rescue organization that rescues fresh, healthy food that would otherwise go to waste. We pick up from 100 grocery stores, food distributors, farms, and retailers, then deliver the rescued food to 80 - 100 community-based organizations serving people throughout Greater Boston. These organizations include low-income housing facilities, food pantries, homeless shelters, senior centers, mutual aid organizations, and a range of other social service agencies. As a secondary benefit, Food Link diverts from incinerators and landfills perfectly good food that would, if thrown away, contribute to environmental destabilization.

What we take

Food Link accepts all categories of food, focusing mostly on perishables such as fresh produce, dairy, prepared foods, and meat. We operate 7 days a week and will pick up any amount of product ranging between just a few boxes to up to 5 pallets, depending on what it is. We typically work with our donor partners on a regular schedule, but can do a one time pickup if needed. We can take items in bulk, as we have the capacity to repackage in our facility.

How we pick up

We are located in Arlington, MA. We have 4 vehicles, 3 cargo vans (two of which are refrigerated), and 1 refrigerated box truck. We also send our volunteers in their personal vehicles, depending on the size of the pick up.

To arrange a donation

Please reach out directly to our Logistics Manager, Alex Kramer (akramer@foodlinkma.org or call/text 781-985-1714). She is in the office Monday-Friday. When reaching out, please include the following: frequency of food donation, what type of food it is, how it is packaged, approximate amount, pickup location, and contact information.