PeoplesBank Authorizes Additional $100,000 to Address Food Insecurity

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank announced it will immediately increase funding to regional food banks, survival centers, and food pantries to address the growing issue of food scarcity, donating an additional $100,000 to organizations the bank has already supported this year.

The bank’s executive leadership team, as well as associates throughout the bank, believed that a response to SNAP benefit disruptions and the pressures they are causing on food banks, pantries, and families warranted additional financial assistance.

“We felt it was important to act quickly and address a significant need in our communities, and we hope that others will do the same,” said Amy Roberts, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at PeoplesBank. “Already knowing these community-based food pantries and soup kitchens, and their service to vulnerable populations, we believe they are best positioned to deliver immediate, measurable impact to help people.”

PeoplesBank has already begun to distribute grants of $5,000 to $10,000 to the following organizations: the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Connecticut Foodshare, the Care Center of Holyoke, Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Rachel’s Table, Amherst Survival Center, Northampton Survival Center, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Providence Ministries – Margaret’s Table, Salvation Army of Holyoke, Family Outreach of Amherst, Gifts of Love, Midwest Food Bank – New England Division, Hands on Hartford, Hartford Interval House, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, and Friend to Friend Food Pantry.

“With a 30% surge in demand, we’re deeply concerned about meeting every client’s needs while maintaining the quality of care and support we strive to offer,” said Shannon Rudder, CEO of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services. “Families are feeling more vulnerable than ever, and the emotional toll is growing. When community leaders like PeoplesBank step forward in partnership, it’s more than a donation — it’s a powerful act of solidarity. This support helps us respond to the overwhelming need, and when we come together like this, we remind our neighbors that they’re not alone.”

Over the past year, PeoplesBank has made donations totaling $1.8 million in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and $5 million over the last three years. The bank’s associates and board members contributed matching gifts of $55,750 in addition to the 8,500 volunteer hours they contributed to the community.