Natick-Based MathWorks Honored For Work With Food Bank

NATICK, MA — The Greater Boston Food Bank has awarded Natick-based MathWorks for its work helping to end hunger in the region. The award comes after MathWorks gave large donations over the last two years to the food bank, which serves thousands of people in the Boston area.

Here's more from a food bank news release:

The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB), the largest hunger-relief organization in New England, has named MathWorks of Natick as the recipient of its Founder’s Award. For nearly 20 years, GBFB’s awards program seeks to celebrate and show appreciation for the individuals and organizations that have collaborated to end hunger across Eastern Massachusetts.

Throughout the month, twelve awards are being given to valued partner agencies, public officials, volunteers, donors and other organizations that have made considerable contributions to GBFB’s mission to end hunger over the past two years.

The Founder’s Award is given to an individual or organization that demonstrates extraordinary leadership in philanthropic and human services and exemplifies GBFB’s mission through outstanding involvement, dedication, and leadership in working with others to help end hunger in the community. MathWorks was awarded for its continued support of Growing Healthy Futures, a summer hunger fundraising campaign which aims to raise funds to help GBFB distribute healthy meals to youth and their families.

MathWorks matched up to $1 million in donations in both 2021 and 2022 in support of the campaign, and their gifts alone have yielded more than 4 million meals and are the catalyst for providing more than 10 million meals.

“The Greater Boston Food Bank’s ability to provide food security for families in distress is strongly supported by our staff,” said MathWorks Senior Vice President and CFO Jeanne O’Keefe. “We are honored to receive this reward and look forward to continuing our support for a renowned leader in hunger relief within our community.”

The award was presented at the MathWorks corporate office in Natick on Thursday, September 22.

“MathWorks came forward during the pandemic seeking to make a bold impact in our community amidst the backdrop of unprecedented levels of food insecurity,” said GBFB President and CEO Catherine D’Amato. “Over the past two years, MathWorks has graciously matched $2 million in donations to support summer hunger-relief efforts while leveraging its gift to bring further awareness to our mission to end hunger here. MathWorks has proven to be a leader in the community, and we’re deeply grateful for their partnership.”

The Partner Appreciation Awards are one of many GBFB initiatives throughout Hunger Action Month in September encouraging Massachusetts residents to get involved in the fight against hunger. More information on the other initiatives can be found here.

Those in need of food assistance are encouraged to visit GBFB.org/need food, ;where they can find a list of resources and search for a food program by zip code.