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UMass 5K Dash & Dine Turns 15

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Runners get set at the starting line at the 2025 event.
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Staying on Course

Runners get set at the starting line at the 2025 event.

Runners get set at the starting line at the 2025 event.
Photo by Keith Toffling Photography

 

Brandy Sullivan says the 15th iteration of the UMass 5K Dash & Dine is reason for celebration — but so were the other 14, because of the impact they’ve had.

Specifically, over the years, UMass Amherst has raised more than $50,000 for the Amherst Survival Center thanks to donors, runners, and walkers. UMass Dining, which puts on the annual event, donates 100% of all proceeds to the center.

“UMass Dining started this event 15 years ago in an effort to address food insecurity in our region,” said Sullivan, meal plan manager for UMass Dining, quickly tying the effort to one of the university’s values. “We work toward limiting food waste through sustainable practices here at UMass, and we’ve been proud to partner with the Amherst Survival Center as an extension of our work on campus. We work with Dean’s Office as well to promote food security here.”

The event — this year’s race is slated for Saturday, April 25 — features not just a competitive 5K beginning at 11 a.m., but Fun Run for kids age 8 and younger beginning at 10 a.m.

“It’s a great event. We have between 1,500 and 2,000 runners. When I started chairing this event, there were maybe 300. So it’s really grown,” Sullivan told BusinessWest.

“The students love it,” she added. “It’s a great outreach for them to give back to. For some of our students, this is the first 5K they’ve ever run, and it is a USA Track & Field certified 5K. We use Yankee Timing, which is also a USA Track & Field certified timing company. So you actually get a bib, and you get your real time, and people take it seriously.”

That said, “it’s a pretty easy race. I’m a runner, so I guess I can say that, but it definitely is a nice, safe race,” she noted. “It’s all on campus — we work with the UMass PD and the Amherst PD, who both support keeping the road safe for that little bit of time that we need.”

It’s also personally gratifying, she said, to see it all come together — and to see the impact the event has on the community through the work of the Amherst Survival Center.

Brandy Sullivan

Brandy Sullivan

“It’s a great event. We have between 1,500 and 2,000 runners. When I started chairing this event, there were maybe 300. So it’s really grown.”

And that work is plentiful. Since 1976, the center has promoted the health and well-being of residents of Franklin and Hampshire counties with a wide variety of programs designed to help people meet their basic needs.

The Amherst Survival Center, located at 138 Sunderland Road, serves more than 10,000 people each year. Its services, all of which are free, include a food pantry, daily community meals, fresh food distribution, services such as showers and lockers for those experiencing homelessness, information and referrals, as well as a variety of other support services.

Additionally, the center’s resource center hosts representatives from other area service organizations, making it a one-stop-shop for accessing resources. All of this is provided in a community center environment, with activities ranging from live music to sewing workshops to office hours with elected officials. All are welcome, and there are no eligibility or requirements to stop by.

 

 

Food for Thought

But ‘Dash’ is just one part of the equation. The ‘Dine’ is something most participants look forward to as well, as they’re invited to one of the university’s award-winning dining commons for a meal following the race.

And ‘award-winning’ is an understatement. UMass Amherst has been named Best Campus Food in the U.S. by the Princeton Review nine straight years — and counting. That achievement, according to the publication, underscores the department’s commitment to culinary excellence, sustainability, and experiential dining that features globally inspired, culturally driven menus.

UMass students encourage runners along the 5K route.

UMass students encourage runners along the 5K route.
Photo by Keith Toffling Photography

The Princeton Review’s most recent rankings were based on surveys of 170,000 students at 391 colleges and universities across the nation. UMass Dining is not only the largest collegiate dining program in the U.S., but its top ranking for almost a decade reflects an innovative approach to campus dining and a commitment to locally sourced cuisine from the campus’s five permaculture gardens and more than 100 local farmers and vendors.

“So you run the race and then you get to eat at one of our campus dining locations,” Sullivan said. “That’s a great perk. I run a lot of races, and that’s not usually the case — you don’t get that really great meal afterwards. So it’s a way for us to share our number-one campus dining.”

But more importantly, she said, it’s a chance to share the importance of the Amherst Survival Center, and nonprofits like it.

“Food security is important, and it’s close to home. We have a food pantry on campus that partners with Amherst Survival Center as well; it’s a clothing closet as well,” Sullivan explained. “That has been a great partnership, I think, because their core values mirror what the UMass community wants to share with our students and instill in our students through UMass dining — just having nutritional options.

“But it’s also great fun. This is an energizing position to have when we all work together. After all the work that goes on behind the scenes, having it all come together — and hopefully not be raining sideways or snowing — is very exciting,” she went on. “We’re always trying to make it a better event, but I love the excitement this brings to the UMass community; it has been kind of a passion for me.”

Sullivan said the UMass 5K Dash & Dine grows every year — weather permitting.

“We’re always trying to make it a better event, but I love the excitement this brings to the UMass community; it has been kind of a passion for me.”

“Inclement weather is always kind of scary,” she said, recognizing that some people register on race day — and might be reluctant if the weather is poor. But the year-over-year growth has been consistent. “It’s pretty competitive. We have local track teams, high school students, and we promote it with them; we’re able to share what we’re doing here on campus, as well as what’s happening at the Amherst Survival Center.”

 

The Details

As noted earlier, the 15th annual UMass 5K Dash & Dine takes place on Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m., with the Fun Run starting an hour earlier. Registration is available online at runumass.com or at any of the dining commons and retail locations on the UMass campus. The cost is $15 for students of UMass Amherst or any of the Five Colleges, $25 for UMass faculty and staff, and $30 for the general public. Online registration ends at midnight on April 23, but walk-up registration is available on race day.

Successful MLK Day Community Food Drive Benefits Amherst Survival Center

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Daily News

AMHERST — State Rep. Mindy Domb announced that the second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day community food drive resulted in 4,672 pounds of food donated to the Amherst Survival Center by residents of Amherst and neighboring towns.

Led by state Rep. Aaron Saunders and state Sen. Jake Oliveira, the town of Belchertown participated in the drive this year and collected 1,654 pounds of food. These donations joined the generosity of participants including state Sen. Jo Comerford, the town of Amherst, Wildwood Elementary School, residents of Applewood at Amherst, the Sunderland Human Rights Committee and Friends, and the Sunderland Woman’s Club.

“We are profoundly grateful to Representative Mindy Domb for her long-standing partnership and leadership in hosting this food drive in support of the Amherst Survival Center,” said Carleen Basler, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center. “Her unwavering commitment to our neighbors facing food insecurity honors Dr. King’s legacy of service and love in action. Because of Rep. Domb’s efforts, more members of our community will have access to nourishing food and the dignity they deserve.”

Domb extended her gratitude to all who donated and the volunteer team at the Amherst Survival Center for sorting and processing these donations.

The Amherst Survival Center serves more than 10,000 people annually and offers services such as a food pantry, daily community meals, fresh food distribution, showers, lockers, information and referrals to other community agencies, and a variety of other services. For more information on food assistance available to the residents of the 3rd Hampshire District, visit repmindydomb.com/freefood.

Second Annual Light and Love Amherst Community Food Drive to Be Held on Jan. 19

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Daily News

AMHERST — The second annual Light and Love Amherst Community Food Drive, organized by state Rep. Mindy Domb, will be held from Jan. 6 through Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19 to benefit the Amherst Survival Center. The food drive is inspired by King’s words: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Food donations will be collected at the Amherst Survival Center, in a drive-by fashion, on Monday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Amherst Survival Center is located at 138 Sunderland Road in North Amherst, across from Cowls Building Supply.

“I can’t think of a better way to honor Dr. King and start the new year — for us to come together as a community to care for one another and manifest his words into action,” Domb said. “Last year, our community collected 3,749 pounds of food through the MLK food drive. It would great to match that this year, given growing food insecurity and the additional food pantry on the UMass campus.”

The Amherst Survival Center indicated that the following items are most in need at this time: peanut butter, pasta and pasta sauce, cereal, canned soup, and oatmeal. The food pantry also makes personal care items available, including diapers and menstrual products.

Individuals, workplaces, and neighborhoods are encouraged to set up a food donation bin in their location and bring food donations to the center on jan. 19. Click here to learn more about how to participate in the food drive.

UMass Amherst to Partner with Amherst Survival Center on Campus Food Pantry

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Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst is forging a long-term partnership with the Amherst Survival Center to establish and run a food pantry on the UMass Amherst campus, the university announced. The pantry will be open to university students and employees experiencing food insecurity.

The pantry, scheduled to open in fall 2025, will be located at 472 North Pleasant St. in Amherst, in the building that formerly housed the Newman Catholic Center, which relocated to a new facility in 2023. The new space will boast ample storage and refrigeration capabilities, easy access by car and bus, and a welcoming environment for pantry shoppers to select from non-perishable and fresh foods, provided by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, direct donations, as well as purchased items.

As National Hunger Action Month comes to a close, this commitment from UMass Amherst is a recognition that hunger on college campuses is a harsh reality. Nationally, one in three college students face food insecurity. As a community, UMass Amherst believes no one, particularly on campus, should go hungry.

“This partnership with the Amherst Survival Center to address food insecurity among our students represents our campus’s deep commitment to fostering a living-learning environment where our economically disadvantaged students are supported as they strive to achieve their educational goals,” UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes said. “I am deeply grateful to our students for their relentless advocacy to address this urgent need. This food pantry will have a significant, positive impact on our community.”

The North Pleasant Street location will act as a hub for the Dean of Students Office basic needs initiative, centralizing access to the pantry as well as other campus services, such as the Student Care Supply Closet and the student-run Food Recovery Network, which recovers leftover food from university dining halls and donates it to individuals experiencing food insecurity.

“We want college students focusing on their studies, not worrying about where they will get their next meal, so we are excited to partner with UMass to meet this critical need,” said Lev BenEzra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center. “The Center has seen skyrocketing levels of need over the past few years, including from UMass students, both on campus and off. This on-campus pantry will serve more students, and serve them better, as it can be tailored to meet their unique needs. I truly applaud the university’s investment in this work and the efforts of the many student leaders who have brought us to this point.”

UMass Dining to Host 5K Dash and Dine to Benefit Amherst Survival Center

By
Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Dining Services will host its 12th annual UMass 5K Dash and Dine on campus Saturday, April 22 at 9 a.m. The goal of the event is to promote health and wellness at the university while raising funds for the Amherst Survival Center. In total, UMass Dining has been able to raise more than $57,000 for the Amherst Survival Center.

The 5K features a USA Track and Field (USATF) certified course to runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants. When race participants are finished, all are welcome to have lunch at an award-winning Dining Commons on campus.

“It’s fantastic to see the UMass community come together for such a great cause,” said Ken Toong, executive director of Auxiliary Enterprises. “We’re a big believer of building community through food and promoting health and wellness; this event is another shining example of this. I’m extremely proud of our team and what we are able to accomplish.”

The race fee is $10 for all UMass and Five College students, $20 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff, and $25 for the general public. Children 8 years and under may participate for free at the annual fun run at 10 a.m. The fee includes registration, T-shirt, and the complimentary meal at the Hampshire or Berkshire Dining Commons. Online registration ends on Wednesday, April 19, but walk-up registration is available on race day.

The schedule includes check-in at the Southwest Horseshoe at 9 a.m., the fun run at 10 a.m., the start of the race at 11 a.m., an award ceremony at 11:30 a.m., and lunch at noon. To register for the event or make a donation, visit runumass.com.

“We are so excited to see Dash and Dine on campus again. This event is such a perfect fundraiser for the center,” Amherst Survival Center Executive Director Lev Ben-Ezra said. “It is all about community, everyone pitching in, and world-class cooking. A huge thank you to everyone who makes it possible and comes out to join.”

Amherst Survival Center to Host Empty Bowls Fundraiser on April 1

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Daily News

AMHERST — The Amherst Survival Center will host its 15th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on Saturday, April 1 from noon to 4 p.m. at the center’s site at 138 Sunderland Road, North Amherst. Empty Bowls brings the community together to fight hunger and raise funds for the center’s programs, ensuring that area residents have access to the food they need.

This year, Empty Bowls will again offer in-person dining at the center, with service from local celebrities, including state legislators, town leaders, and special guests. There will also be options for attendees to take their soup to-go. Guests select a unique, handcrafted bowl made by a local artist and choose between a dozen soups donated by local restaurants and freshly baked bread. Meat, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free soup options will be available. The keepsake bowl is theirs to keep as a reminder of all the other bowls they have helped to fill. Soft drinks are included, and wine and hard cider are available for purchase (cash only).

“This annual event funds the critical food and nutrition programs that provided more than 1.2 million meals to 7,500 of our neighbors last year. Right now, with costs at the grocery store so high and the end of pandemic SNAP benefits, we are seeing unprecedented need: 25% higher than the peak surges of the pandemic and rising. We are also seeing record numbers of families coming to the center for the very first time,” said Lev Ben-Ezra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center. “I am grateful to be a part of a community where we support each other, and where we know that everyone should have the food they need. Empty Bowls is a beautiful opportunity to put that value into action.”

Tickets cost $50 and are available online at www.amherstsurvival.org/emptybowls or by calling the Amherst Survival Center at (413) 549-3968, ext. 108. Guests who don’t want a handmade bowl may also choose soup-only tickets for adults ($30) or for children ($10). Children 2 and under are free. Tickets can also be purchased in person on the day of at the event.

The event will also include a raffle with prizes including a handblown glass platter from Josh Simpson, a photoshoot with professional photographer Isabella Dellolio, a private wine tasting from Provisions, and more. Raffle tickets cost $10 each or three for $25. Empty Bowls keepsake aprons will also be available for purchase, and all donations on top of ticket purchases will be matched by presenting sponsor Greenfield Savings Bank up to $5,000. Raffle ticket or apron purchases and additional donations can be made online while purchasing tickets, or in person at the event.

“Empty Bowls is an inspiring event that brings our community together to help end food insecurity in our community. Greenfield Savings Bank is proud to sponsor and support the Amherst Survival Center in their mission to help people in our community,” said Thomas Meshako, president and CEO of Greenfield Savings Bank.

With the involvement and support of Greenfield Savings Bank, full bowls sponsors Mass General Brigham Cooley Dickinson Hospital and PeoplesBank, as well many other business sponsors, local restaurants, and volunteers, the proceeds from Empty Bowls directly benefit the Amherst Survival Center’s programs and services. A full list of sponsors, soup makers, and potters is available at www.amherstsurvival.org/emptybowls.

UMass Dining To Host 11th Annual 5K Dash and Dine to Benefit Amherst Survival Center

By
Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Dining Services will host its 11th annual UMass 5K Dash and Dine on campus Saturday, April 9, at 9 a.m., after a two-year hiatus. The goal of the event is to promote health and wellness at the university while raising funds for the Amherst Survival Center. In total, UMass dining has been able to raise more than $50,000 for the center.

The 5K features a USA Track and Field-certified course to runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants. When race participants are finished, all are welcome to have lunch at the award-winning Dining Commons on campus.

“It’s fantastic to see the UMass community come together for such a great cause. We’re a big believer in building community through food, and this event is another shining example of this. I’m extremely proud of our team and what we are able to accomplish,” said Ken Toong, executive director of Auxiliary Enterprises.

The race fee is $10 for all UMass and Five College students, $15 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff, and $20 for the general public. Children age 8 and under may participate for free. This race fee includes registration and the complimentary meal at the Hampshire or Berkshire Dining Commons. Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. today, April 6, but walk-up registration is available on race day. To register for the event or make a donation, visit runumass.com.

“We are so excited to see Dash and Dine return,” Amherst Survival Center Executive Director Lev Ben-Ezra said. “This event is such a perfect fundraiser for the center. It is all about community, everyone pitching in, and world-class cooking. A huge thank you to everyone who makes it possible and comes out to join. See you there!”

Community Comes Through to Help Amherst Survival Center Families

By
Daily News

AMHERST — Last week, Hannah Rechtschaffen, director of Placemaking for the Mill District, and Andy Haase of Cowls Building Supply delivered more than 400 games purchased by W.D. Cowls Inc. to the Amherst Survival Center, augmenting dozens of community donations already collected and delivered from North Amherst Motors, the Toy Box, North Square Apartments in the Mill District, and Cowls Building Supply.

“All December at Mill District seasonal events, we invited donations of puzzles and games for the Survival Center,” Rechtschaffen said. “W.D. Cowls agreed to match those donations, and then some. We’re so proud to be able to build community in people’s homes this winter, when it’s really difficult to be together in person.”

Last month, Lev Ben-Ezra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center, outlined to Cinda Jones, president of W.D. Cowls, how the community could help her cause this winter. Ben-Ezra explained that the center was looking for ways to brighten the winter for families stuck at home, including craft kits, valentines, and other fun activities. Her hope for February was to distribute more than 400 games and puzzles to local families, and she asked the Mill District for help generating donations.

“This is going to be a long, challenging winter,” Ben-Ezra said. “We want to help offset the pending February doldrums with a little laughter and fun.”

Now, with more than 500 games donated in January, the Amherst Survival Center is providing families with games and activities along with groceries in February.

“The Survival Center — and the Mill District — are places where, in normal times, community is made and where people connect,” Jones said. “It’s been difficult connecting meaningfully this year during a global pandemic. We’re delighted Lev asked us to join her, inspiring unforgettable moments for families at home, while we can’t enjoy time together in North Amherst.”

Added Ben-Ezra, “we’re so grateful that the community has come through again for the Survival Center. We’re accomplishing so much this year for families in need, despite hard times and health challenges.”

Community members who want to help the Amherst Survival Center serve more families can donate online at amherstsurvival.org/donate. There’s even a gift catalog of direct-giving opportunities to meet specific needs.

“Contributing to the success of the Survival Center, you receive so much more than you give,” Jones said. “Your time and donations are amplified by regional support from farms and restaurants and grocery stores and hundreds of volunteers on the ground. There’s nothing more satisfying than helping Lev make a difference.”