This Thanksgiving, it's important to remember those less fortunate than us who are struggling with food insecurity due to poverty and other circumstances. One of the best ways to help people in need is by supporting local food pantries and volunteering your time or resources.

Food pantries provide access to nutritious meals for families in need, allowing them to put food on the table when they otherwise might not be able to. They also provide a sense of dignity and empowerment for those who use them, allowing them to choose their own meals instead of relying on pre-packaged donations or government assistance.

Supporting your local food pantry is an important way to make a difference in your community. Whether it's by donating money or food, volunteering your time to help stock shelves, or helping to spread the word about its services, any contribution can benefit those in need. Not only will you be doing a great service for some of our most vulnerable neighbors, but you'll also be raising awareness and inspiring others to do the same.

This month, the firm participated in several initiatives to raise money, food, and awareness for local food organizations.  Below is a recap and information on how you can get involved.

Lorraine's Soup Kitchen & Pantry

Sam, Eric B., Ian, Keara, Mallory, Matt, Chris, and Nick volunteered on 11/8 and 11/11 at Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen in Chicopee during dinner hours to help stock the food pantry shelves and make bags of shelf-stable food for their mobile pantry unit. The unit makes 16 stops around the Chicopee Area and unloads food from pallets they received from the Western Mass Food Bank. We learned that peanut butter is in huge demand (they typically go through 30+ jars a day) and the pantry had none, which meant we couldn’t put together one of the pre-made food bags for their mobile unit.  If you are looking to get involved, you can donate food, time, or supplies. 

• Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry, Inc. exists to be a resource of food security for anyone in need. We strive to reduce the risk and effects that food insecurity has on families and individuals by investing in those we serve through collaboration with our community partners to educate and raise awareness.
• For more information: https://www.lorrainessoupkitchen.com/donate/

Parish Cupboard

On Friday the 18th, Mallory and Keara went food shopping with $585 that was raised by the employees at MBK to support the Parish Cupboard. Altogether, they were able to buy 11 Turkeys and over 500 boxes/cans of Thanksgiving-related food such as veggies, dessert items, soups, gravy & stuffing. The food donation was dropped off at the West Springfield Parish Cupboard location where their kitchen manager, Bill Cawthra, helped to unload the jeep which was piled high with food. 

• The Parish Cupboard provides meals and groceries to individuals and families in need throughout West Springfield, Agawam, and its surrounding communities.
  
• For more information: https://theparishcupboard.org/

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

The MBK team helped put out lawn signs for the Food Bank of Massachusetts’ event, Monte’s March, to end hunger. The event was held Monday and Tuesday (11/21 - 11/22) with a goal to raise $500,000.  Reaching this goal will allow them to provide 5,500 meals per day for an entire year!

Since 1982, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been feeding our neighbors in need and leading the community to end hunger. We distribute food to our members in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties.

• Through our combined efforts, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.  Thank you to everyone who participated and donated! Please consider getting involved with these amazing organizations that are making a positive impact in our community.
• For more information: https://www.foodbankwma.org/

If you'd like to get involved but aren't sure how, please reach out and we'll help get you connected.  Together, we can make a difference;  Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

The MBK Team