2 Days. 3 Counties. 43 Miles. Fighting hunger, feeding hope.
Monday & Tuesday, November 22 & 23, 2021
Springfield to Greenfield, MA
Benefiting The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
Thank you for supporting Monte’s March so far we have raised $529,076.95!
Each November, WRSI – 93.9 The River’s Monte Belmonte leads his annual Monte’s 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 a number of supporters from Western MA communities as they raise funds to help provide healthy meals to neighbors at risk of hunger. The community is encouraged to tune in and make donations to benefit The Food Bank’s mission while Monte and the marchers make their way across three counties.
This year, our goal is to raise $500,000 – the equivalent of 5,500 meals per day for a whole year!
Registration FAQ's
Stay tuned for Monte’s March coming November 2022!
What is the cost to sign up? Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?
There is no registration fee or minimum fundraising requirement. Everyone who supports the campaign to END HUNGER NOW and wants to march with Monte is encouraged to come along on November 22 and 23 whether your fundraising goal is met or not. The goal for each team is to raise at least $1000 to help support the community in ending hunger. All marchers need to be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult.
Can I register as an individual without a team?
One individual can create great change, so teams of one are always welcome!
If I march, do I have to do the whole 43 miles?
Nope! You can choose to march just one of the two days (the 22nd, marchers go from Springfield to Northampton and on the 23rd they march from Northampton to Greenfield) or just a portion of the route.
Can I fundraise without Marching?
Certainly! Virtual marchers are an integral part of this event’s success. You can organize a mini-march in your neighborhood or at your school, or create a page to help with fundraising. Please follow the steps to register. There is a spot for you to indicate your desired march participation during registration.
Is there a way for me to participate without fundraising?
Yes, we depend on volunteers to answer phones and take credit card donations throughout the event. You can also create your own cheering section along the route for the marchers. For more information or to sign up to volunteer contact Katie Dwan-Clem, Volunteer Coordinator, at katied@foodbankwma.org or Cheyenne Burnham, Event Coordinator, at CheyenneB@foodbankwma.org
March Route & Monte Tracker
Times are estimated, please tune in to WRSI to follow along with Monte in real time or view the Where’s Monte? Map.
There will be several stops along the way for restrooms and water. We advise that you do bring a water bottle to refill along the way. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Stop & Shop on Monday and Hillside Pizza on Tuesday
Stay tuned for Monte’s March coming November 2022!
Finish Line Feast
Monte’s March ends at Hawks & Reed in downtown Greenfield with the Finish Line Feast. Doors open at 5:00 PM to cheer on Monte and the marchers’ return and the party starts after the total fundraised is announced at 6:00 PM. There will be outdoor space to hang out and karaoke inside – everyone is invited to come celebrate! There will also be a limited amount of 43 Miles New England IPA cans available – a delicious beer brewed by Four Star Brewery to support Monte’s March. If you are interested in attending, please visit the Hawks & Reed website for tickets!
Donate
On Nov. 22 & 23, make your donation to Monte’s March by calling 1-888-323-HOPE
Volunteers will be standing by at The Food Bank to take your call and accept your credit card donation over the phone. Be sure to tune into 93.9 The River to follow Monte’s March throughout both days.
There is no need to wait until November 22nd. Make a secure online donation now. Your donation supports the mission of The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to feed our neighbors in need and lead the community to End Hunger Now.
Monte's Mixed Bags
Last year, the “Monte’s Mixed Bag” (available at Cooper’s Corner or State Street Fruit Store) was so popular and sold out so fast, we’re bringing it back! Only 100 mixed bags will be available and each one will feature a hand-selected bottle of wine, treats from Taza Chocolate, local cider & beer, an invite to an exclusive virtual Meet-Up with Monte and special guests, and more! You’ll also get the chance to win getting your very own mixed playlist on WRSI – The River! Each awesome bag is $100 each, with all proceeds to benefit The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Monte’s Mixed Bags will be for sale at Cooper’s Corner in Florence and State Street Fruit Market in Northampton beginning on Friday 11/12 until they are sold out.
Student Involvement
We would love to discuss creative ways to get your school or class involved.
Host a fund drive, plan an outdoor socially distant Mini-March and more! Contact Cheyenne Burnham, Event Coordinator, at
CheyenneB@foodbankwma.org today!
Become a Sponsor
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities (PDF).
Contact Jillian Morgan, Corporate Relations Officer at (413) 203-4946 or email jillianm@foodbankwma.org to find out how you can sponsor this great community event and support The Food Bank’s mission to feed our neighbors in need and lead the community to End Hunger Now.
Why Do You March?
We want to know Why You March! We invite you to send us a short video letting us know why supporting the mission of The Food Bank to feed our neighbors in need is important to you. We’ll be posting these videos on our social media in hopes that your message will help inspire others to join the cause to help End Hunger Now.
- Hold your phone vertically and steadily throughout the duration of the video
- Before beginning and before ending the video count to 5 (So we have room to edit & clean up)
- Don’t forget to create the video in a quiet place without traffic noise and limited background noise
- Try to face lights or windows instead of having the light source directly behind you
- First, introduce yourself! On video, please explain “Why I march?” (My name is ______ and I’m a ___________ or I live in ____________, and I’m marching in Monte’s March_______________.”
- Stand a good length away to get a mid-shot, which is ideally waist up
- Try to keep the video under 2 minutes because that is most ideal for social
- For best video settings, on an iPhone in your camera app turn the “Most Compatible” setting on and on a Samsung in your camera app go to advanced recording options and turn on “High efficiency videos” to ensure maximum quality for social media.
Other Events Fundraising for Monte’s March
Roller Babies S8 Night for Monte’s March!
Thursday, November 18th, 7p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at Interskate 91 in Hadley.
Join The Roller Babies, a Greenfield, MA-based motley crew of rollerskaters and bladers of all skill levels, for a Throwback Thursday adult-oriented skate night to benefit Monte’s March. Cost is $10 at the door and $5 for skate rental. They’ll be circling the rink to raise funds so come out for a night of fun to support The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts!
Berkshires Weekend Getaway Raffle for Monte’s March!
Only $10 gets you a chance to win an amazing weekend stay for up to 8 guests at this five-star Berkshires Airbnb near Great Barrington*. Package includes deluxe accommodations for two nights in a gorgeous, modern 4-BR home. You’ll also get a Pizza & Cookies Party delivered to your door during your stay.
To purchase raffle tickets, email debbernardini@mac.com.
*Dates are subject to availability and to be scheduled directly with your host, all proceeds benefit The Food Bank.
Our Sponsors
Wheeler & Taylor Insurance
