Bank of America contribution helping to get more food to neighbors in need
Lisa Hamel from Bank of America presents contribution to staff at The Food Bank
The Food Bank recently received a $25,000 contribution from Bank of America to support the distribution of emergency food throughout the four counties of Western Massachusetts.
The grant will allow us to distribute even more healthy food to 200 member agencies (comprised of food pantries, meal programs, community centers and shelters) in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties. It will also help us to provide assistance to individuals facing hunger through our direct-to-client feeding programs, including the Mobile Food Bank and Brown Bag: Food for Elders.
“We are very grateful for this generous contribution from Bank of America,” says Andrew Morehouse, executive director of The Food Bank. “It is through these strong partnerships that we can continue to be a reliable resource for our neighbors who may not know where their next meal is coming from.”
Bank of America employees volunteering at The Food Bank in 2016
Bank of America’s contribution came during national Hunger Action Month (September), when food banks across the country encourage people to take action to support their local emergency food network, and to help raise awareness of the issue of hunger in our communities.
“Bank of America strives to focus on the economic mobility of individuals and families by addressing basic needs, which naturally includes the fight against hunger,” stated Miceal Chamberlain, Bank of America Massachusetts President. “We are committed to being part of the solution and supporting healthy, thriving communities. Our longstanding partnership with The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is invaluable in addressing hunger in this region, and we commend them for all they do in advancing this critical issue.”
The need for emergency food in our region continues to increase. Last year, we distributed more than 10 million pounds of food — the equivalent of 8.4 million meals. This was the most ever in our 34–year history. Currently, more than 223,000 people throughout western Massachusetts rely on the services of The Food Bank and its member agencies.