Rachel’s Table Celebrates New Truck, New Office

SPRINGFIELD — Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts (RTWM), a food rescue and hunger alleviation organization, introduced its new gleaning vehicle to support more long-term and wider distribution of harvested produce from local farms to those in need. At the same time, RTWM is celebrating its move to a new office space at the Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC).

A gathering for a ribbon cutting will take place on Tuesday, July 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the RTWM office at the Springfield JCC.

RTWM is grateful for the opportunity to purchase the new pickup truck that can access more local farm fields to support greater harvest and storage of local produce for distribution. Two major supporters of the new ‘glean machine’ are the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and the Max Cares Foundation. Extra in-kind support came from Go Graphix, which wrapped the vehicle.

Gleaning is the practice of harvesting leftover crops from local farms for distribution to partner agencies or informal communal networks that support people who are food-insecure. RTWM works closely with more than 50 local farms, gathering hundreds of people in more than 100 gleans throughout the season, distributing and storing more than 116,000 pounds of farm-fresh food. Gleaning is one of four programs of Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts that alleviate hunger, from the most immediate need to longer-term food security solutions. For information about gleaning and to join a glean, visit feedwma.org/gleaning.

Simultaneously, RTWM has grown not only in volunteer size (more than 500) but in staff, both full- and part-time. With just two employees at the beginning of the pandemic, RTWM now employs nine people. This growth has enabled RTWM to deliver nearly 1 million pounds of food annually, reach three counties and beyond, and help people grow their own food through its Growing Gardens program. The new office space accommodates both people and poundage growth.

Hunger has increased in Western Mass. In Hampden County, 54% of households report food insecurity, while in Franklin and Hampshire counties, it is 50%.