BREAKING:”Jayson Tatum Commits $10 Million to Support Boston Community: Providing Free Food and Healthcare Services for Individuals with Disabilities and Illnesses”…See More
BREAKING: Jayson Tatum Commits $10 Million to Support Boston Community—Providing Free Food and Healthcare Services for Individuals with Disabilities and Illnesses
Boston, MA — May 6, 2025
In a powerful act of generosity and civic leadership, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has announced a $10 million personal donation to launch a new community initiative aimed at providing free food and healthcare services to individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses across Boston.
The initiative, titled “Project 0: Hunger & Healing,” is a collaboration between Tatum’s charitable foundation and several local hospitals, clinics, and nonprofit organizations. It is set to roll out this summer in some of Boston’s most underserved neighborhoods, including Roxbury, Mattapan, and East Boston.
A Mission Rooted in Empathy
At a press conference outside Massachusetts General Hospital, Tatum revealed that his motivation came from personal experiences.
> “I’ve had close family members suffer through illnesses without always having access to proper care,” he said. “I’ve also seen people go to bed hungry. I knew I had to do something—something lasting.”
The $10 million investment will fund:
Three mobile health clinics, equipped to provide free checkups, medications, physical therapy, and screenings
A network of community food hubs offering nutritious meals and grocery packages to families affected by disability or long-term illness
Staff training and accessibility upgrades at partner locations to better accommodate patients with mobility and sensory challenges
A scholarship fund for caregivers and healthcare workers committed to serving the disabled and chronically ill
Community Leaders React
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu praised the initiative as a “landmark commitment” that addresses two of the city’s most urgent challenges: health equity and food insecurity.
> “Jayson Tatum is not only a champion on the court, but a compassionate leader off it,” Wu said. “This project will lift up some of our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Dr. Susan Maloney, director of community outreach at Boston Medical Center, will lead the healthcare component. She emphasized the importance of mobile clinics, which will bring services directly to people’s doorsteps.
> “Access is everything,” she said. “And Tatum’s vision helps remove the barriers that keep so many from getting the help they need.”
A Broader Vision for Change
Tatum emphasized that Project 0 isn’t a one-off initiative but the beginning of a long-term mission. His foundation plans to measure outcomes and expand services based on feedback from residents and healthcare workers.
He also pledged to use his platform to advocate for better state and federal policies supporting the disabled community.
> “This is about dignity,” he said. “Everyone deserves to be healthy, to eat well, and to feel seen and supported.”
Next Steps
Project 0: Hunger & Healing will launch its first two food hubs and mobile clinics in July 2025, with additional sites expected to open by year’s end. Volunteers, healthcare professionals, and donors are already signing up to join the effort.
Boston residents can visit www.project0boston.org to learn more, find service locations, or get involved.