LINDSEY NERBONNE
HER HEART IS IN FOOD SECURITY AND MEAL DISTRIBUTION. HER LEGS ARE PREPARING FOR RACE DAY.
Lindsey Nerbonne, 28, says “Food is a basic human need that gives people the energy to work, go to school, and take care of family.” She’s running the 128th Boston Marathon to raise money for the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB).
Not only is Nerbonne an advocate for the cause, she also works at GBFB, serving as donor services manager for just over a year a er developing a passion for food security while obtaining her master’s degree in nutrition.
“I discovered that we have so much food production — and especially in this county, we have enough resources and funding to feed people — yet our neighbors are still hungry,” Nerbonne says. The reality that more than one in three Massachusetts residents is food insecure drives her constantly.
A standout student-athlete at the University of New Hampshire, Nerbonne enjoyed mid-distance running during her field hockey team training. Once she graduated, she still had that urge to compete, “even against myself,” she says. Her sister was running the Boston Marathon in 2018 so she decided to follow in her footsteps.
“Literally,” Nerbonne emphasizes. “She’s faster than me.”
Since then Nerbonne has run triathlons and other events. Last year, she ran the Chicago Marathon with her sister, who also qualified for this year’s Boston Marathon.
Dedicating her professional time to GBFB’s cause wasn’t enough for Nerbonne, though. When she learned GBFB was a charity partner of the Boston Marathon, she immediately applied. “Even though I work here and pay tribute every day, I wanted to jump in and contribute even more because I see the direct cause and effect of giving money and feeding our neighbors,” she says. “I am in a unique position because I see firsthand where the money is going and how much good it will do.”
Preparing for endurance runs requires intense focus that can be tough to maintain not only during runs but throughout the monthslong training process.
“You’re constantly on a wave effect,” Nerbonne says. “Some days you’re on a runner’s high and some days it’s hard to get up and out in the cold to train.” That’s where the fundraising component provides that extra shot of dedication. “Every time I run, I post on social media, which yields at least a small donation most times. If I don’t run, I can’t post.... I do that mental math and realize that five dollars means we can distribute 10 meals, so it helps me persevere.”
While social media is a great fundraising tool, Nerbonne has discovered that old-fashioned word of mouth — sharing her story with friends of friends, strangers turned supporters, and others — can be even more meaningful.
“Many people hadn’t realized the extent of our reach or the need — that we distributed 90 million meals last year alone — and the immediate tangible impact their giving has.”
Even though I work here and pay tribute every day, I wanted to jump in and contribute even more because I see the direct cause and effect of giving money and feeding our neighbors.”