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%.

SPRINGFIELD — Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts, a food rescue and hunger alleviation organization, is set to Outrun Hunger in its biennial 5K race and 1-mile family-friendly walk in Forest Park on Sunday, May 17. The event begins welcome announcements at 8:30 a.m. and a 9 a.m. race start. Click here to register. Fees increase on May 1.

The proceeds from the race go to fight hunger all year long, with programs that feed the immediate need as well as nourish long-term sustainable food secure solutions.

The race/walk is also presented by the Rachel’s Table teen board, a youth leadership part of Rachel’s Table whose mission is to educate themselves and others about food insecurity while serving the local community with impactful projects that help fight hunger.

The public is invited to register to run, walk, do a virtual run, or just come by to help raise awareness and make a difference. All registered runners and walkers will be able to visit the Zoo at Forest Park and Education Center for free on race day, sponsored by the Zoo at Forest Park and supported by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

Boomer from the Springfield Thunderbirds will be in attendance, and DJ Matt Peterson will get attendees moving with fun music and entertainment. Local legislators have been invited to speak as well; State Sens. Oliveira and Adam Gomez and state Reps. Brian Ashe and Carlos Gonzales will be in attendance.

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

Outrun Hunger sponsors can be viewed at feedwma.org/outrun-hunger-2026-sponsors. Top-level sponsors include PeoplesBank, Arbella Insurance Foundation, Westfield Bank, PV Financial, and more.

SPRINGFIELD — Most teens celebrate birthdays with gifts, but for the past decade, Bassie Baron has been giving back instead. As she turns 15 this August, Baron marks a remarkable 10-year tradition: requesting donations of food to Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts (RTWM) in lieu of birthday presents.

Since age 6, Baron has pledged her birthday to the fight against food insecurity. Each year, she asks friends and family to fill several boxes matching her age — this year, 15 boxes. Once collected, Bassie, alongside Rachel’s Table volunteers, helps deliver the donations to one or more of the organization’smore than 65 partner agencies across Western Mass.

“Bassie has made a meaningful dent in local food insecurity for more than two-thirds of her life,” said Jodi Falk, director of Rachel’s Table. “Her generosity and leadership are an inspiration to others — especially young people — looking to make an impact.”

In addition to her birthday initiative, Baron organizes food drives at her school and serves as the vice president of Programming on Rachel’s Table’s teen board. The teen board’s mission is to alleviate childhood hunger, educate young people about food insecurity, and advocate for food justice through projects and community engagement.

Rachel’s Table congratulates Baron on this 10-year milestone and encourages others to follow in her footsteps. Food drives are simple to coordinate and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of RTWM’s partner agencies. To learn how you or your organization can get involved, or if you know a young person interested in the teen board, email Rachel’s Table at [email protected] or visit www.feedwma.org. Non-perishable items are also accepted at the Springfield Jewish Community Center on Aug. 10-15 in honor of Baron.

SPRINGFIELD — Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts announced its biennial signature event, Bountiful Bowls: Growing Community Together, taking place on Tuesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Springfield Marriott Hotel.

This powerful evening will honor the resilience and generosity of the local community in the fight against food insecurity. Hosted by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno (honorary chair) and emcee Barry Kriger, the event will spotlight the transformative work of Rachel’s Table and celebrate leaders who have made a profound impact in Western Mass.

Honorees include Ellen Gold, Change Agent Award; Jill and Jim Stewart, Community Connectors Award; and the employees and community of Westfield Bank, Leading with Community: Newcomer Award.

Rachel’s Table continues to combat food insecurity across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. In 2024 alone, the organization delivered more than 925,000 pounds of healthy food; sponsored 57 gleans, harvesting more than 50,000 pounds of fresh produce from local farms; and supported 10 community gardens led by youth and seniors.

With hunger affecting nearly half of households in Hampden County and over one-third in neighboring counties, Bountiful Bowls raises critical funds and awareness for Rachel’s Table’s programs that deliver immediate relief and build long-term food security. Visit www.feedwma.org to learn more and register for tickets or donate.

SPRINGFIELD — Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts (RTWM) announced a slate of new board members to its roster, enhancing its community leadership in a cause that has engaged more than 350 volunteers in Western Mass.

“Volunteering for Rachel’s Table, first in the gardens, and now as a board member, is an incredible opportunity to serve our local community,” said Mallory Probert-Caplan, one of the new board members. “Food insecurity is, unfortunately, not going away, and Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts has been creating solutions to support access to healthy food for so many.”

Other new board members inaugurated in 2025 include Cathy Dorison, Michael Paysnick, and Carolyn Martinez, executive director of Christina’s House, as agency representative, a new position on the board of directors.

In addition, RTWM also added Janice Dickstein to the board in 2025 and to the executive board in 2025. Jeffrey Sagalyn and Erinn Young, vice president at PeoplesBank, moved from the professional advisory council to the board. RTWM’s new president is Judy Yaffe, and the vice president is Jane Cohen. Laura Katz remains treasurer.

“Serving on nonprofit boards and committees is a great way to help vitalize our local community with your unique skills and talents,” said Jodi Falk, executive director of Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts. “We are a volunteer-driven organization, which means volunteers truly drive our work, literally and figuratively, at every level. We could not do what we do without the hard work of our volunteers.”

RTWM is always open to new volunteers, from drivers, dispatchers, gleaners, and gardeners to those who wish to serve on committees and then eventually the board. If interested, visit feedwma.org to review the volunteer resource page and fill out the volunteer registration form.