Local food pantries receive critical funding
PITTSFIELD, Mass - State Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) and State Representatives Daniel E. Bosley (D-North Adams) and Christopher N. Speranzo (D-Pittsfield) announce Project Bread’s The Walk for Hunger has awarded a total of $17,500 in emergency food program grants to six local organizations.“Widespread economic constraints have touched everyone’s lives, especially our most vulnerable populations,” said Downing. “These emergency funds will provide critical cash supplements to sparse food pantries and help countless families keep food on the table.”
Local Recipients:
Berkshire Community Action Council - BCAC Food Pantry $4,000
Salvation Army, Pittsfield $3,000
Berkshire Food Project, North Adams $3,000
VFW Post 10338 Veteran’s Food Pantry, Lanesborough $2,500
Salvation Army, North Adams $2,500
Vietnam Veterans of America 54, North Adams $2,500
Representative Bosley said, "These grants come at an imperative time as days grow colder and those on a fixed income in particular are tasked with paying for fuel and food. The continued efforts of volunteers and of community participation in the annual Walk for Hunger have allowed this program to flourish each year. With the assistance from Project Bread's Walk for Hunger, these local organizations will be able to serve more people in Berkshire County."
Representative Speranzo said, “No family is immune from the tough economic times that we are facing and any amount of money that we are able to provide to these important food pantries goes directly to help a need in our community.”
These grants are funded each year directly from Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger. This year’s 40th Walk for Hunger was a great success and included over 40,000 walkers. In 2008, over 400 emergency food programs and 128 communities will use these grants to provide approximately 43 million meals to hungry families and individuals across the Commonwealth. Guidelines require that 75 percent of the grant be used for food and related supplies, and that up to 25 percent can be allocated for operating expenses.
To learn more about Project Bread’s programming and donation opportunities, please visit www.projectbread.com or call 617-723-5000.
