Welcome to my Monte's March fundraising page! I'm doing this crazy walk again, but this time, both days: 44 miles over two days - from Springfield to Northampton to Greenfield.
But it's well worth it, to raise awareness and funds for one of the Valley's most important non profit organizations: The Food Bank of Western Mass. Even though we are blessed to live in an area rich with family farms and local organic food, there are many folks who live in "food desserts" where there is little access to nutritious food; even if there were, many families couldn't afford it. The result is the consumption of lots of cheap, highly processed fatty sugary salty foods, which leads to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, decreased immunity, and a host of other maladies.
The Food Bank of Western Mass served almost a quarter million of our neighbors last year. A third of them were kids. As a pediatrician, that means a lot to me. A lot of the elderly used their services as well. As an alter cocker myself, that also means a lot! Last year the Food Bank of W MA served almost 8,900,00 meals. What's more, they provide nutritional training and education about healthy eating to the many agencies and people they serve.
Thanks for your contribution!
For more info on Monte's March, visit: www.montesmarch.com
Monte's March
On November 19 & 20, WRSI – The River’s Monte Belmonte will be leading his annual march against hunger through the Pioneer Valley, during his Monte’s March event. For those two-days, Monte, Congressman Jim McGovern, and a number of their supporters, will push a shopping cart 43- miles from Springfield to Greenfield to raise awareness and funds for food insecurity in our region. Supporters are encouraged to donate money to benefit The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Last year, the event raised more than $258,000.
You can march with Monte and Congressman McGovern by raising money for the event as an individual or as part of a team:
Individuals:
- A suggested fundraising minimum of $1,000 of more is encouraged to join Monte for either Monday or Tuesday of the walk (or a smaller portion).
- Marchers must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult.
- All Marchers are responsible for arranging their own transportation and pick-ups.
Create a Team:
- A suggested fundraising minimum of $1,000 or more per team is encouraged to join Monte for either Monday or Tuesday of the walk (or a smaller portion). Teams are defined as two or more people fundraising together.
- Teams are asked to please choose no more than one person to walk at a time. As Monte's March continues to grow, so does the number of people walking. These measures are to help ensure the safety of everyone involved.
- Marchers must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult.
- All Marchers are responsible for arranging their own transportation and pick-ups.
Can't march? Become a virtual marcher and raise funds online to support the march! There is no suggested fundraising minimum to be a virtual marcher.
Questions about this event? Contact Event Coordinator, Jennifer Therkelsen at [email protected]
Are you a teacher or administrator looking to get your school involved in Monte's March? Please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Amanda Reynolds at [email protected]
Since 1982, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been feeding our neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger. We distribute food to our member agencies in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. These independent pantries, meal sites and shelters are on the front lines of emergency food assistance in our region, playing a crucial role helping individuals, families, seniors and children. Every $1 donated to The Food Bank can purchase 4 meals for a family who needs them most.