Members of the March for the Food Bank’s day 1 trek smile as they march into downtown Northampton.
Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis
NORTHAMPTON — The 15th annual March for the Western Mass. Food Bank kicked off on the morning of Nov. 25 at 6 a.m. from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Springfield, but by 3:40 that afternoon about 30-plus marchers crossed the Northampton city line.
About an hour later, marchers arrived as WRSI 93.9 The River in Northampton, ending day one with a treat of mini donuts from Wake the Dead donuts and a post march snacks and drink gathering at Wiggins Tavern. The march was led by event founder Monte Belmonte, U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) and Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse.
“Every step we take in this march represents our commitment to ensuring no one in our community goes hungry,” said Morehouse. “The need has never been greater, and this event demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing food insecurity.”
The annual event started 15 years ago when Belmonte pushed an empty shopping cart from Northampton to Greenfield, hoping to raise $5,000 for the Food Bank. Instead, Belmonte raised $13,000, sparking a movement that has grown into the three-county, 43-mile March for the Food Bank.
As the Food Bank’s largest annual fundraiser, the event plays a vital role in supporting its mission and raising awareness about food insecurity across the region. This year’s fundraising goal is $500,000 which translates to 1.5 million meals for families across Western Mass. Already $101,000 had been raised before the march began.
Reaching the $500,000 goal would also push the march’s 15-year cumulative total past $4 million.
“The outpouring of support this year is phenomenal. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of those who register and fundraise alongside us, as well as our incredible sponsors — this event would not be possible without them,” added Food Bank Development Director Jillian Morgan.
Day two started the next morning at 6 a.m. and went from Northampton, into Amherst before finishing in Greenfield.
Top row, from left: March for the Food Bank founder Monte Belmonte leads the crowd in cheers following the completion of day 1. Marchers cross into Northampton. March for the Food Bank founder Monte Belmonte (pushing the shopping cart) leads the final stretch of the day 1 walk into Northampton. Bottom row, left to right: Marchers cross from Easthampton into Northampton. U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern speaks to the tired group of marchers following the completion of day 1.
Reminder Publishing photos by Trent Levakis
