March for Food Bank of Western Mass. helps raise awareness, funds for food insecurity
AMHERST, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - In the fight to end hunger, local leaders and community members came together for the 15th annual March for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. For the past 15 years, the event has raised funds to combat food insecurity in our area. Those who took part walked an estimated 43 miles from Springfield to Greenfield and, despite the cold, rainy weather, many in attendance said it’s a great way to raise awareness for those in need.
The 43-mile walk began at the MLK Community Center in Springfield. Western Mass News was able to catch up with the group mid-march at the Amherst Survival Center, where we saw many familiar faces including Congressman Jim McGovern, who is now going on his twelfth year participating in the march. “I feel really good to be here today. I mean, my legs are killing me, but nonetheless, I feel good, especially after the election. I feel like I need to do something positive and good,” he explained.
Formerly known as Monte’s March, local radio host Monte Belmonte started the event 15 years ago by pushing an empty shopping cart from Northampton to Greenfield with the goal of raising $5,000. That year, he raised $13,000, which ultimately pioneered the start of the 43-mile march that now spans across three counties. “We feel really proud of the community that we live in because it’s clear how generous they are and how much they like to do get involved with the community,” he said.
Even if that means putting themselves out there in a special, and unique way.
“They know that the work that they’re doing and the money that they’re raising is going directly to help people like the people that are using the Amherst Survival Center and the need continues to grow, so as long as the needs going to be there, we’ll keep doing weird things to get people out and donating, and taking care of our neighbors,” Belmonte explained.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts relies heavily on donations to help fuel their essential programs, which has seen an uptick in demand over recent years. This year, the pantry’s goal for the march is $500,000, which will allow them to provide about 1.5 million meals to the community. “They’re helping us raise awareness, helping us with their energy, and we are on track to meet our goal and that’s what we’re excited about,” said Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse.
You can CLICK HERE for more details on how you can support or get involved in the initiative.
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