Latest from the Blog
March for the Food Bank is back for our 17th year of impact
March for the Food Bank is a community fundraiser held every November, spanning all four counties in Western Massachusetts - now with the addition of the Mini-March. Led by Monte Belmonte of New England Public Media, Congressman Jim McGovern, and Food Bank CEO Andrew Morehouse, hundreds of marchers from all over Western Mass walk 46 miles over two days from Springfield to Greenfield. Registration is now open!
Mo and Cher Willems shout out Food Bank on W. Kamau Bell’s podcast
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts (and food banks and pantries in general) received a shoutout on celebrated author and activist W. Kamau Bell’s podcast, WHO’S WITH ME? Mo Willems, celebrated children’s author and illustrator, along with his wife and creative partner, Cher Willems.
“From the lens of people feeling like they belong”
Omar Irizarry, Board President, is deeply invested in the well-being of the communities he serves in Massachusetts. Irizarry explains how childhood experiences with food insecurity inform how he approaches his role as board president, including guiding the Food Bank through it strategic planning process. He has a longstanding commitment toward equity and belonging that he uses to guide his work on the board and also as Director of Cross Agency Initiatives at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.
Will Bike 4 Food fundraiser brings together Western Mass cyclists to build food security
WB4F is one of the Food Bank’s largest fundraisers of the year, and each $1 raised helps the Food Bank provide the equivalent of 3 nutritious meals to people in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire Counties.
WB4F Fundraising Meet-Up set for August 20 at Northampton Bicycle
Are you registered for Will Bike 4 Food on September 20th – or thinking about it? Join the Food Bank and WB4F alumni cyclists at a Fundraising Meet-Up on Thursday, August 20th from 6:00-8:00 PM. Hosted at Northampton Bicycle and Speakeasy, this free event will bring together experienced fundraisers and those new to Will Bike 4 Food. Cyclists of all ages are welcome!
Food Bank to co-sponsor 1st Franklin District Candidate Forum in Shelburne Falls
Residents in the 1st Franklin District are invited to a Candidate Forum for State Representative on Tuesday, August 11 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Shelburne Falls Theater at Memorial Hall, 51 Bridge St. Moderated by NEPM host Monte Belmonte, the forum will feature candidates for State Representative Corinne Coryat of Deerfield, Amy Lavalee of Whately, and Lora Wondolowski of Greenfield.
Board President shares lived experience in new video
Omar Irizarry, Board President, is deeply invested in the well-being of the communities he serves in Massachusetts. Irizarry explains how childhood experiences with food insecurity inform how he approaches his role as board president, including guiding the Food Bank through it strategic planning process. He has a longstanding commitment toward equity and belonging that he uses to guide his work on the board and also as Director of Cross Agency Initiatives at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.
Food Bank member pantries awarded $66,000 in capacity building grants
The Food Bank has awarded our latest round of capacity building grants for food pantries, mobile pantries, and meal sites. The focus of this round was to make food assistance more equitable, accessible, and aligned with community needs.
How the Food Bank fights hunger in Western Mass
The Food Bank is part of a large network of agencies and partners working to build food security across Western Massachusetts. Have you ever wondered how food assistance moves through Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties?
Honoring dedication, recognizing impact at Open House
On June 17th, 2026, the Food Bank hosted our second annual Honoring Community Impact: A Food Bank Open House. We welcomed more than 150 supporters, community partners, volunteers, and local businesses to the patio and community room at our Chicopee food warehouse, resource, education and advocacy center.
Community Engagement Team launches second cohort
This spring, the Food Bank launched the second cohort of our Community Engagement Team (CET), a program designed to strengthen engagement with people who have experienced food insecurity and ensure their perspectives help inform our work.
Find news, press releases, and public statements on food insecurity and hunger in Western Mass.