AMHERST, Mass. – Rep. Jim McGovern was one of dozens of marching through the Pioneer Valley Tuesday on day two of the 43 mile March for the Food Bank, formerly known as Monte’s March.
What You Need To Know
- Rep. Jim McGovern participated in a 43-mile, 2-day walk throughout the Pioneer Valley this week as part of the March for the Food Bank, formerly known as Monte’s March.
- This is the 14th annual year of the walk from Springfield to Greenfield to raise money for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
- The food bank provides food to 92,000 families throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts
- Hampden County has the largest population center and largest concentration of people who need food assistance
In it’s 14th year, the walk from Springfield to Greenfield raises money for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
“It’s about caring about people in our community,” McGovern said. “Not just during the Thanksgiving holiday, but all year round. We live in the richest country in the history world and tens and millions of our citizens are hungry. They don’t know where their next meal is going to come from.”
The food bank’s new facility provides food to 92,000 families throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts. Hampden County has the largest population center and largest concentration of people who need food assistance.
McGovern, who has been attending the walk for over a decade, said it’s vital to be proactive about addressing food insecurity throughout the commonwealth.
“It’s not just people who don’t have homes,” McGovern said “It’s working families, people who work full time. They pay their bills, they don’t have enough to buy food to make sure they’re families have enough to eat. So, we’re dedicated to doing everything can to end hunger, not just for the community, but around the country.”
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts said the goal of this year’s march is to raise $500,000, which it says equals 1,500,000 meals. Donations can be made through the food bank’s website.