This will be my second year walking 43 miles from Springfield to Greenfield to fight food insecurity and to raise awareness about hunger in our region.
Here’s why I'm doing it:
Food is a Human Right and should never be a privilege. Why are 223,821 people currently seeking food assistance in Western MA? Because our food system is systemically unjust.
Hunger is a Health Issue - children without access to adequate nutritious food get sick more easily and have more trouble concentrating. Over 67,000 kids are food insecure in Western Mass. 100% of kids in Springfield and Holyoke (where I currently live) are eligible for free breakfast and lunch at school.
The Food Bank Asks No Questions - this means that the same undocumented workers that grow your organic veggies can get access to food, since they cannot apply for SNAP and other government programs.
The Food Bank Supplies Local Food Pantries - The Food Bank of Western MA, or “mothership hunger” as Monte calls it, is the distribution center for all of the food pantries and soup kitchens in Western MA, so by supporting The Food Bank you are supporting your local food pantry.
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.