BOSTON – The Lesley University women's basketball returned from their winter break with a giving spirit last week, as they volunteered at the Greater Boston Food Bank. The team spent the morning sorting 11,700 pounds of food which made 9,750 meals possible for people who are in need in Eastern Massachusetts.

The Greater Boston Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. Last year, the GBFB distributed 48 million pounds of food, enough to provide healthy meals to as many as 545,000 people. They are committed to increasing our food distribution in 2014 to provide at least one meal a day to every person in need in eastern Massachusetts.

The GBFB acquires food through food industry product donations, food drives and financial contributions that enable us to purchase additional high nutrient quality food. The GBFB also distributes food directly to those in need through dedicated programs that serve particularly vulnerable groups, such as seniors and children.

In 2014 alone, the GBFB distributed 50 million pounds for the year - enough for 42 million meals and enough to feed a sellout crowd at Fenway Park 11,000 times.

For more on the Greater Boston Food Bank, please visit their website, www.gbfb.org.