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Fifteenth Annual March for the Food Bank Kicks Off Nov. 25

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — Fifteen years ago, Monte Belmonte pushed an empty shopping cart from Northampton to Greenfield, hoping to raise $5,000 for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Instead, he raised $13,000, sparking a movement that has grown into the three-county, 43-mile March for the Food Bank.

The 15th annual March for the Food Bank will take place on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 25-26. This year’s two-day trek from Springfield to Greenfield will once again be led by NEPM’s Monte Belmonte, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, and Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse. As the Food Bank’s largest annual fundraiser, the event plays a vital role in supporting its mission and raising awareness about food insecurity across the region.

“Every step we take in this march represents our commitment to ensuring no one in our community goes hungry,” Morehouse said. “The need has never been greater, and this event demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing food insecurity.”

This year’s fundraising goal is $500,000, which translates to 1.5 million meals for families across Western Mass. Already, more than $101,000 has been raised. Reaching the $500,000 goal would also push the march’s 15-year cumulative total past $4 million, building on the $3.71 million raised over the first 14 years.

“The outpouring of support this year is phenomenal,” Food Bank Development Director Jillian Morgan said. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of those who register and fundraise alongside us, as well as our incredible sponsors. This event would not be possible without them.”

Media sponsors WRSI 93.9 the River and New England Public Media will air programming on food insecurity and hunger leading up to and during the march. People can donate by phone at (888) 323-4673 Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., or anytime online at marchforthefoodbank.org.

Fourteenth Annual March for the Food Bank Close to Reaching Goal of $500,000

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — The 14th annual March for the Food Bank took place on Nov. 20-21 and is very close to reaching its targeted fundraising goal of $500,000. At the march’s end, it had raised $466,069.

Donations for the march will be accepted through the end of December. Supporters are encouraged to make an online contribution anytime at marchforthefoodbank.org.

The 43-mile, two-day trek from Springfield to Greenfield was led once again by New England Public Media’s Monte Belmonte. Joining him was U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Executive Director Andrew Morehouse and Development Director Jillian Morgan, and several state and local legislators, including Gov. Maura Healey. In her comments to reporters, Healy stressed that hunger is a real issue in Massachusetts for young and old alike and credited the Food Bank and its partners and supporters for all the work being done to end hunger in Western Mass.

“We are deeply touched by the outpouring of support for the march, which has brought us incredibly close to our $500,000 goal,” Morgan said. “The power of community, reflected in the kindness of those who marched as fundraisers, the individuals and businesses that generously contributed to the campaign, along with the support of so many state and local government officials, fills our hearts with gratitude.”

As the campaign approaches its goal, Morgan is hoping the community will join in the final push to make an even greater impact. Reaching the goal of raising $500,000 will provide the equivalent of 1,500,000 meals across the region.