Cambridge-based Food For Free Committee, Inc. Chosen for 2005 Massachusetts Catalogue for Philanthropy

(Cambridge, MA) Cambridge-based Food For Free Committee, Inc. has been selected as a Massachusetts 2005 Catalogue for Philanthropy charity. This year’s edition of the Catalogue profiles 72 of Massachusetts' outstanding environmental, cultural, and human service agencies as "examples of excellence" in Massachusetts philanthropy. Food For Free Committee, Inc. was chosen from a total applicant pool of over 250 organizations.

Now in its 25th year, Food for Free is a food-rescue organization, “bridging the gap between waste and want.” By the end of 2005, Food For Free will have distributed 750,000 pounds of produce and other fresh foods to more than 50 local food programs. That amounts to more than 500,000 meals annually. Food For Free also makes home deliveries to low-income elders and people with disabilities who are unable to get to pantries, and grows part of its own produce in its Field of Greens program.

The Catalogue, which was the first of its kind, was created by a group of leading foundations in 1997. In addition to the annual Catalogue itself, the project developed the nationally-known "Generosity Index"™, a website (www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org), "Giving Massachusetts Day," and many other "donor-friendly" tools. Since 1997, charitable giving in Massachusetts has doubled, from $2 billion to $4 billion, and though the Catalogue makes no claim for this growth, the Catalogue Project is widely recognized as a national leader in donor education. There are now similar Catalogues in Washington, DC, and St. Louis, Missouri.

According to George McCully, President of the Catalogue, "The Catalogue is designed as a showcase for Massachusetts philanthropy, and a one-stop shop for a family's charitable giving. A single check, electronic transaction over the web or stock transfer can be allocated to as many charities as the donor pleases, and because the Catalogue is sponsored and paid-for by its philanthropic sponsors, 100% of every donation goes to the designated charities."

Food For Free Committee, Inc. was chosen in rigorous competition by professional grantmakers, private donors, fundraisers and executive directors of charities. "Charities are selected for general excellence, cost-effectiveness, and teaching value about philanthropy," McCully said.

   Food For Free / 11 Inman Street / Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139 / Voice: 617-868-2900 / Fax: 617-868-2395

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