Welcome to my Monte's March fundraising page. I am proud to be representing Holyoke Pediatrics in the 10th Monte's March for the Food Bank of Western Mass.
In my practice, I see hundreds of kids and families who suffer from food insecurity -- who can not afford nutritious food daily. This is ironic, since the Pioneer Valley is a region which is filled with wonderful family farms producing fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats (often organic) throughout the year. The problem is that many of our families, especially in urban Chicopee, Holyoke, and Springfield, to not have access to those products, and can not afford them. Often those kids fill up on cheap junk foods and so suffer from obesity, which leads to diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is key in addressing this problem. Last year, they bought food from 29 local farms. Over 400,000 of the meals they provided were from these farms. About a third of them went to kids. They also supply free nutritional advice to families. by that Every dollar donated supply three meals to a neighbor in need. This year, we are aiming to raise at least $333,000 to supply a million meals from the march alone.
So don't be turned off by the fact that I have already "met my goal" (It takes a minimum of $1000 to march). The more the merrier! Every little bit is appreciated. Be sure to tune in to 93.9 The River (FM), on November 25th and 26th!
Thanks!
For more info on Monte's March, visit: www.montesmarch.com
Monte's March
On November 25th & 26th, 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 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 $294,000.
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.