As pediatricians in the Pioneer Valley, we see the effects of food insecurity on the families we serve. Many parents have to choose being able to pay for healthy food for their children and rent, utilities, and other essentials. We know that lack of access to nutritions meals leads to reliance on unhealthy cheap fast foods -- leading to impaired cognitive development, obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other chonic We refer families to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts all the time.
The work of the Food Bank has never been so important as during the Covid Pandemic. Over the last fiscal year, they supplies an equivalent of 12.3 million meals in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. 30% of those meals went to kids, younger than 18 years old. The food bank supports our local farmers, purchasing healthy fuits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products from 52 of them. It also provides nutrition coordinators to help families develop healthier eating habits.
Every $1 dontated provides 4 healthy meals to a neighbor in need. ,Be sure to tune in to 93.9 The River (FM), on November 22nd and 23rd to follow Monte and the marchers on our journey!
For more info on Monte's March
click here!
Monte's March 2021 - End Hunger Now
On November 22nd & 23rd, 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 two days, Monte, Congressman Jim McGovern, and 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. Our target this year is $500,000 and with your help, we know we can surpass this goal! 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) but we want EVERYONE to march - no matter how much is raised. It's that important.
- 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) but we want EVERYONE to march - no matter how much is raised. It's that important.
Teams are defined as two or more people fundraising together. - 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 or create a mini-march in your neighborhood or at your school! There is no suggested fundraising minimum to be a virtual marcher but we know you'll do great!
Are you a teacher or administrator looking to get your school involved in Monte's March? Please contact Event Coordinator, Cheyenne Burnham 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 provide 4 healthy and nutritious meals for a family who needs them most.