In 2023, we raised an astounding $517,194 of our $500,000 goal for the 2023 march! Your support has enabled us to provide over 1.5 million meals to the community.
We can’t wait to join everyone again on November 25 & 26 for 2024!
Registration information and event details will be available in the fall.
About the March
Each November, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts with Monte Belmonte lead the March against hunger through the Pioneer Valley. Pushing an empty shopping cart 43 miles from Springfield to Greenfield, Monte is joined by Congressman Jim McGovern, Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse, and supporters as they raise funds to help provide healthy meals to neighbors at risk of hunger.
The community is encouraged to make donations by phone or online to benefit the Food Bank’s mission while Monte and the marchers make their way across three counties. Individuals and teams can also register to fundraise and join for some or all of the march. Details on how to register for the 2024 march will be available when registration opens in the fall.
Example Itinerary & Route
This event itinerary is an example from previous years. Both the times and locations are subject to change for the 2024 March for the Food Bank.
Monday
- 6:30 am – Doors Open and Kick-Off Begins at MLK Family Services
- 7:00 am – Depart from MLK Family Services
- Left on State Street
- Right on Main Street
- 9:15 am – Chicopee Town Center
- Left on Front Street
- Right on Springfield Street
- Left on Granby Road (turns into Chicopee Street)
- Veer Right on Meadow Street
- 10:30 am – Stop at Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen
- Left on S. East Street
- Right on Hamilton Street
- 11:00 am – Stop at Kate’s Kitchen
- Right on Race Street
- 11:30 am – Stop at Holyoke Culinary Arts
- 11:45 am – Lunch at Fame in Holyoke
- Left on Dwight Street
- Right on School Street
- Left on Hampden Street (becomes Lincoln St)
- Right on Pleasant Street
- Right on Northampton Street
- Turns into Pleasant Street
- 4:00 pm – End at WRSI Radio Station with Wake the Dead Donuts
Tuesday
- 6:00 am – March begins at the corner of Pleasant Street and Hampden Avenue
- Right on Bridge Street
- Turns into Russell Street (Route 9)
- Left on North Maple Street
- Right on Rocky Hill Road (turns into Amity St)
- Left on N. Pleasant Street
- 10:30 am – Stop at Amherst Survival Center
- Turns into Amherst Road
- Veer left on Sunderland Road
- 12:00 pm – Rest Stop at Adventure East
- Left on Sugarloaf Street
- 1:00 pm – Lunch at Berkshire Brewing Company
- Right on N. Main Street
- Right on Route 10
- Quick stop at Richardson’s Candy
- Left on Old Main Street
- Right on Old Main Street
- 3:45 pm – Stop at Deerfield Academy
- Right on Main Street
- Left on Route 10
- Veer Right on Bank Row
- 6:00 pm – Left on Main Street and arrive at Hawks & Reed with dinner provided by Stone Soup Cafe