PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts will kick off its annual fundraising tradition with two community marches—starting with the first-ever Berkshire Mini-March on Saturday, Nov. 22 in Pittsfield, followed by the 16th Annual March for the Food Bank from Springfield to Greenfield on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 24-25.

 

The Berkshire Mini-March begins at 9:30 a.m. at Hot Plate Brewing in downtown Pittsfield. The three-mile route includes stops at several Food Bank member food pantries, including Mercado De Vida and the Berkshire Dream Center.  The final stop at the Pittsfield Community Pantry invites marchers to get involved directly by assembling Thanksgiving Angels packages for local families.

 

On Monday, New England Public Media's Monte Belmonte, Congressman Jim McGovern, and Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse will once again lead the 43-mile journey from Springfield to Greenfield. Governor Maura Healey is scheduled to join part of the March on Tuesday. 

 

"The strength of communities across our region is extraordinary," said Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse. "Month after month, we see more people needing food assistance, more than at the height of the pandemic. The March is one way we meet these challenges together—with resolve, generosity, and a shared belief that everyone deserves reliable access to nutritious food without barriers or stigma."

 

With demand at historic levels—more than 123,000 people seek food assistance each month, a number that is likely to continue to rise—the March plays a critical role in keeping food flowing to nearly 200 partner food pantries and meal sites across the region, stated a press release.

 

This year, the Food Bank aims to raise $650,000, the equivalent of 1.3 million meals for families, seniors, and veterans across Western Massachusetts. Nearly $250,000 has already been raised through early support from marchers, donors, and sponsors.

 

"The energy around this year's March is incredible," said Jillian Morgan, the Food Bank's Director of Development. "People are showing up with such heart, whether they're registering, fundraising, or sponsoring. We're grateful for every person who helps carry the Food Bank's mission forward."

 

The March routes can be found here.

 

Media sponsors -- WRSI 93.9 The River and New England Public Media -- will air special programming on food insecurity and hunger leading up to and during the march.

 

People can donate by phone at 888-323-HOPE (4673) on Monday from 7:00am to 5:00pm and Tuesday, from 7:00 am – 6:00pm, or anytime online at marchforthefoodbank.org.

 

The March for the Food Bank is supported by hundreds of individuals and dozens of local businesses: Alekman DiTusa, LLC; Blue Cross/Blue Shield; Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company; CoBank; Dean's Beans Organic Coffee; Eversource; Fallon Health; Greenfield Savings Bank; Innovative Industrial Properties; M&T Bank; PeoplesBank; Lia Auto Group; and Performance Food Group.