In The Bank

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is part of a national movement to raise awareness and take action to help the 50 million Americans who experience hunger.

September is Hunger Action Month. Throughout the month, Feeding America’s nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, including The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, is working to engage citizens to take action and help spread the word about how pervasive hunger is in every community.  Feeding America food banks are participating in many ways including: working with town officials to officially declare Hunger Action Month in each community; holding educational forums where peers and community members cal learn about local hunger and what they can do to help; spreading the word with our celebrity partners via a video campaign that tells the real stories of Americans struggling with hunger; and the 30 Ways in 30 Days campaign to provide individuals exciting ways to participate in their community throughout September – there will be daily “ways” to take action with The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts–along with many additional suggestions for getting involved.

Nationwide, 50 million Americans suffer from food insecurity. But hunger’s impact is felt by many more than the millions living with food insecurity:  hunger impacts child development, health and wellness, education, workforce development – our general welfare as a nation. It is also an issue right here in our community. At the local level, The Food Bank of Western Mass. works to help serve over 108,000 people each year. Recent numbers reveal that nearly one in four kids in our region suffers from food insecurity, and Hampden County has the highest child food insecurity rate in the state.

Throughout September, there will be opportunities to get involved. These opportunities will range from social media initiatives to events, family activity suggestions, and ways to volunteer or support the work The Food Bank of Western Mass. does every day.
HAM Schedule of Events:

• Fork it Over For Food: fundraiser runs through September at participating restaurants. Click here to see a list of restaurants in your area.
• HAM Speaker Series #1: The Real Face of Hunger, Thurs. Sept 8, 7:30 am-10am, The Delaney House, Holyoke
• HAM Speaker Series #2: School Nutrition, Thurs. Sept 15, 7:30 am-10am, The Delaney House, Holyoke
• Will Bike 4 Food: a charity ride against hunger, Sat. Sept 17 (participants must register by Sept. 9), Millside Park, Easthampton
• HAM Speaker Series #3: Getting Local Food to Food Deserts, Thurs. Sept 22, 7:30 am-10am, The Delaney House, Holyoke
• HAM Speaker Series #4: Hunger and Obesity, Thurs. Sept 8, 7:30 am-10am, The Delaney House, Holyoke

This year, The Food Bank will be hosting an educational speaker series featuring local experts, front-line workers, individuals who have faced hunger and nutritionists. This series is free and open to the public. Those who wish to attend must register ahead of time here or call 413-247-9738.

For more information, email foodbank@foodbankwma.org.

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