CHICOPEE — The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, partnering with several Chambers of Commerce, is excited to announce the second annual Fill the Food Bank event on April 1st from 5 to 7 p.m. at their location on 25 Carew St., Chicopee.
Tickets are $25, and attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items like peanut butter or jelly, or make a monetary donation. You need to be a member of a local Chamber of Commerce to attend, and for those not attending, donations are still welcome.
This event also offers a chance to network, enjoy catered food, and hear from Andrew Morehouse, the Executive Director of the Food Bank. Last year’s inaugural event raised $10,000, translating to over 30,000 meals for those in need. Cheyenne Burnham from the Food Bank highlighted how important these contributions are, as they help provide food for over 125,000 people monthly through 193 local pantries.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts helps those facing food insecurity, a growing issue today. Established in 1982, it serves about 190 pantries in several counties. This year’s food donations will benefit Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and Pantry, with financial contributions used to purchase more food through programs like MEFAP and TEFAP, which assist in distributing food to communities.
Burnham emphasized that for every dollar donated, three meals can be provided, allowing them to stretch their resources further. She encourages more community involvement through food drives and mentions that they provide toolkits to make organizing these efforts easier for interested individuals.
As food insecurity continues to rise, events like Fill the Food Bank are crucial. In Massachusetts, nearly 1 in 10 residents faces food insecurity, a statistic that’s growing, especially in challenging economic times. By participating in events like this, people can make a real difference in their community.
You can read more about the Food Bank and see how you can help by visiting their official site: [Food Bank of Western Massachusetts](https://www.foodbankwma.org).
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