Orchestras Feeding America

I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve lived in the Boston area for almost eight years and have not yet been to Symphony Hall. So when I heard that the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) had partnered with the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) as part of the “Orchestras Feeding America” initiative, I jumped on the opportunity to attend. On April 1, 2, or 3, you can experience one of the world’s premiere orchestras perform Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and donate canned goods to one of the country’s largest food banks all in one evening. How’s that for multi-tasking?

With the recent economic downturn, the demands on the nation’s Emergency Food System are great. According to the USDA, 14.6% of U.S. households were food insecure at some point during 2008, the highest level since the survey began. Feeding America reports that the number of people served by the Greater Boston Food Bank in 2009 was 23% greater than in 2005. The GBFB serves 83,000 people each week as part of its mission to help end hunger in Eastern Massachusetts, and food drives contributed over 220,000 pounds of food to the cause in 2008.

The concerts start at 8 p.m. each evening, and food drive receptacles will be available starting at 7 p.m. at both the Massachusetts Avenue and Cohen Wing entrances. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here. Plus, if you’re under 40 you can get in for only $20! Orchestra not your thing? Community members are encouraged to participate in the food drive even if they’re not attending the concert. The BSO can accept canned food items including canned tuna, chicken, or other meats, canned vegetables and fruit, and canned juices, soups, and pasta.  For safety reasons, the GBFB does not accept baby food, baby formula, and glass containers.

Not in the Boston area? The BSO food drive is also hosting a “Virtual Aid Food Drive” to complement the one that is taking place at Symphony Hall. To make a cash donation to the GBFB, visit http://www.bso.org/fooddrive.