More than a Van
a Vehicle for Change
Van-Sharing & Refrigerated Transport
For many of our pantry partners, the biggest operational hurdles are logistical. A lack of refrigerated transport can limit their ability to accept donations of fresh produce, and not having a large enough vehicle can mean multiple, time-consuming trips to our warehouse or the Greater Boston Food Bank. These challenges can directly impact the amount and quality of food they can provide to their neighbors.
We believe that a rising tide lifts all ships. Our shared infrastructure—including our bookable van and on-site cold storage—is designed to solve these exact problems. This is a core part of our mission to be an infrastructure of possibility. By providing our partners with the tools they need to succeed, we empower them to serve their communities more effectively, ensuring more fresh, healthy food gets onto the plates of our neighbors across the entire South Shore.
HOW IT WORKS
Our shared transport and storage resources are designed to be simple, accessible, and empowering for our pantry partners.
A Bookable Shared Van
Pantry partners in our network can easily reserve and use the SSFB shared van for their food pickups, making transportation simple, predictable, and efficient.
On-Site Cold Storage
Our warehouse provides our partners with access to essential cold storage capacity, allowing them to accept larger donations of fresh and frozen goods than they could typically store at their own facilities. This is a critical part of our strategy to make fresh food a priority.
The Impact
106 times
Our pantry partners borrowed the shared van 106 times in 2023.
29% increase
This represents a 29% year-over-year increase in usage, showing the growing trust and reliance on this collaborative system.
How You Can Help Power Our Fleet
Fund Our Fleet
Your donation helps cover the essential costs of vehicle maintenance, insurance, and fuel for our shared van.
Donate a Vehicle
Have a gently used cargo van or refrigerated vehicle you are looking to retire? Consider donating it to help us expand our fleet and serve more partners.
Sponsor Our Cold Storage
Help us cover the significant utility costs associated with running our large-scale refrigerators and freezers that keep food fresh for our entire network.
