The Common School
Welcome to The Common School's fundraising page!
We in the E2 class have been studying about healthy food and healthy communities through our Botany, Nutrition, and Food Justice study, and we are excited to join Monte's March again this year. In our class, we have learned that 1 out of 8 people in Western Mass are food insecure and are not always sure where their next meal is coming from. In addition to the great work the Food Bank of Western Mass is doing, we have also learned about many organizations and federal programs that are helping increase food security. Students in the E2 class participated in a version of the “SNAP challenge” by going to convenience stores, grocery stores, and specialty stores to try to purchase a day’s worth of healthy meals for a family of four on an average SNAP allotment ($20). The students that went to the convenience store found that they either had to substitute for less healthy food, or paid much more for produce. Many people live in communities without grocery stores, and often purchase food from convenience stores. Leah Penniman, of Soul Fire Farm, describes this as "food apartheid".
Each $1 donated to The Food Bank of Western Mass provides 3 meals to a neighbor in need.
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]
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
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.