As you may have heard, our 6th grade classes are currently learning about hunger and food insecurity through the Food Bank of Western MA curriculum “Youth Against Hunger.” These lessons involve reading & writing about hunger-related issues, examining and comparing various sources, and even some math. Students have also watched the documentary “A Place At the Table” and are heading up a school-wide food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Western MA
Many community members may be aware of local radio host Monte Belmonte’s annual March Against Hunger, a large fundraiser that benefits the Food Bank of Western MA. This year, he will march from Springfield to Greenfield with his shopping cart and supporters raising awareness and donations as his journey is broadcast on 93.9, The River. Our class of highly-motivated students will be participating in a part of the March on Tuesday, November 20th, and will walk a part of the route from Amherst Center to Sunderland,near Bubs BBQ Students will make signs with statistics about hunger to help to raise awareness for this important issue and to show their support.
Every dollar donated supply three meals to a neighbor in need. Be sure to tune in to 93.9 The River (FM), on November 19th and 20th!
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.