As food insecurity rises across the region, organizers of the annual Agawam/West Springfield CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, April 26 say this year’s event carries an even greater sense of urgency.
The walk, part of a national effort coordinated by Church World Service, brings together residents, churches and community groups to raise funds for hunger relief both locally and around the world.
For more than three decades, the local walk has also supported the Parish Cupboard, a food pantry serving residents of Agawam, Feeding Hills and West Springfield.
Organizer Diane Forfa said demand for food assistance has climbed sharply in recent months.
“Federal cuts to programs have increased the number of people needing food assistance,” Forfa said. “This began in the fall, affecting all the organizations in West Springfield and Agawam that I have heard from.”
She noted that the Parish Cupboard experienced a surge in visitors after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits were suspended last fall.
“The Parish Cupboard had a sharp increase of people coming in when SNAP benefits were suspended last fall, and those new families have continued to need assistance in the new year,” Forfa said.
At the same time, some support networks that food programs rely on have been strained. According to Forfa, the Western Massachusetts Food Bank has paused new partnerships because of federal funding cuts, limiting opportunities for emerging local initiatives. As a result, a newer food distribution program at Feeding Hills Congregational Church has been unable to receive assistance through the regional food bank.
Despite those challenges, the CROP Hunger Walk continues to serve as a major fundraising and awareness effort. Organizers of each walk nationwide select a local organization to receive a portion of the proceeds, while the remainder supports global hunger relief.
“The Agawam/West Springfield CROP Hunger Walk has supported the Parish Cupboard for over 30 years,” Forfa said. “The Cupboard serves people from Agawam, Feeding Hills and West Springfield, so CROP support puts a spotlight on the very real problem of food insecurity in these communities.”
Seventy-five percent of funds raised through the walk support international programs run by Church World Service, which address hunger, refugee assistance, education and rural development.
“The motto of CROP Hunger Walks is, ‘We walk because they walk,’” Forfa said, explaining that the phrase reflects the long distances many people in developing countries must travel each day for food and water. “Events are held rain or shine for that reason.”
Organizers are optimistic about this year’s turnout and fundraising potential. Three new walking teams have joined the effort, raising hopes that the walk could surpass its previous total.
“Each year, we try to surpass the fundraising goal of the prior year,” Forfa said. “If this year’s event raises $16,000 — a possibility, since we have added three new walking teams this year — the Parish Cupboard will receive $4,000.”
Local funding helps the pantry provide emergency groceries once a month to families and individuals from three communities, while also offering a hot lunch five days a week.
Community members who cannot attend the walk can still support the cause. Donations can be made online through the event’s fundraising page, or by contacting Forfa at First Congregational UCC of West Springfield.
Whether walking or donating, Forfa hopes residents will recognize the importance of the effort.
The walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Agawam Congregation Church, 745 Main St. in Agawam. Registration begins at 1 p.m.
