The Greater Boston Food Bank, the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, kicked off its fifth annual Holiday Meal Drive. Through the end of December, teams and individuals can donate online to provide nutritious meals for hungry children, seniors, veterans, college students, and working families who struggle to put food on the table.  The Greater Boston Food Bank's goal for the 2015 drive is to distribute 50,000 holiday meals, exceeding the 37,000 meals distributed in 2014. The Greater Boston Food Bank will provide 500,000 healthy meals throughout the holiday season.

To donate as a fundraising team or an individual, please visit http://www.gbfb.org/holidaymeals/. A $20 donation provides five healthy holiday meals for families, a goal that can be reached easily by gathering teams of co-workers and friends to fundraise together. Meals consist of traditional, seasonal ingredients and include turkey, green beans, stuffing, corn, and cranberry sauce. The Greater Boston Food Bank also offers alternative options including chicken, fish, and tofu for those with dietary restrictions.

"One in nine eastern Massachusetts residents doesn't know where his or her next meal will come from, and is often forced to choose between food and other necessities, like rent or mortgage payments," said Catherine D'Amato, president and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank. "Our Holiday Meal Drive channels the spirit of giving and aims to provide these individuals and families with a healthy and delicious holiday meal so they have one less tough decision to make."

The Greater Boson Food Bank initiated the Holiday Meal Drive in 2010 to supply individuals and families in 190 eastern Massachusetts cities and towns with nutritious holiday meals.

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. GBFB distributes more than 54 million pounds of food and grocery products annually to 550 member hunger-relief agencies and more than 30 direct service programs throughout eastern Massachusetts in a dedicated partnership to end hunger in our region. This provides meals for as many as 500,000 people a year. GBFB is a member of Feeding America, the nation's food bank network. For more information, visit us at GBFB.org, become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank), or call us at (617) 427-5200.