Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
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For more than forty years, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has partnered with communities across our four‑county region - Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire - to end hunger and strengthen access to nutritious food. Each year, the Food Bank sources, stores, and distributes over 17 million pounds of food, the equivalent of more than 14 million meals, ensuring that individuals and families facing food insecurity have reliable access to essential nutrition.
But providing food is only part of the solution. The Food Bank works to address the drivers of hunger, advocating for strong food assistance policies, supporting SNAP outreach and enrollment, and collaborating with community partners to build more resilient and equitable food systems throughout Western Massachusetts.
2026 Events & Community Engagement
The Food Bank hosts and collaborates on numerous regional events each year to raise awareness, engage communities, and support food access efforts. Upcoming and ongoing events for 2026 include:
Will Bike 4 Food – September 20, 2026 (Hatfield, MA)
The 16th Annual Will Bike 4 Food is one of the Food Bank’s flagship fundraisers, bringing together riders of all ages and abilities to help end hunger across Western Massachusetts. Riders can choose from a Century (100 miles), Half Century (50 miles), Quarter Century (25 miles), or 12‑mile and 4‑mile family fun rides. Virtual participation is also available during Hunger Action Month. Registration opens May 1st, and after‑party tickets will also be available once registration is live.
2nd Annual Berkshire Mini‑March – November 21, 2026 (Pittsfield, MA)
A 3‑mile community walk starting and ending at Hot Plate Brewing Co., visiting member food pantries.
17th Annual March for the Food Bank – November 23–24, 2026
A two‑day, 43‑mile march from Springfield to Greenfield led by Monte Belmonte, Congressman Jim McGovern, and Food Bank leadership to raise critical funds and awareness for hunger in Western Massachusetts.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are essential to the Food Bank’s mission. In 2026, several recurring opportunities offer meaningful ways for individuals, families, and groups to get involved.
Food Sorting (Weekly – Multiple Shifts)
Food sorting is the Food Bank’s highest ongoing volunteer need. Volunteers help organize donated food—including frozen meat, produce, and dry goods—so it can be quickly distributed to local pantries and meal sites. Morning and afternoon shifts run regularly throughout the week.
Event Volunteering
Each major annual event relies on volunteers—for setup, rider check‑in, cheering stations, after‑party support, and more. Opportunities include:
• Will Bike 4 Food volunteer teams (ride support, rest stop support, after‑party assistance)
• Berkshire Mini‑March event support (check‑in, route patrol, set up and take down)
• March for the Food Bank (check‑in, route patrol, set up and take down)
Food Programs Serving Berkshire County
The Food Bank supports a robust network of food pantries, mobile food distributions, meal sites, and community partners throughout Berkshire County. Key regional resources include:
Food Pantries & Meal Sites
Berkshire County hosts numerous partner organizations providing food assistance.
These sites offer weekly or monthly food distributions, with many providing mobile services, curbside pickup, or meal programs.
Food Assistance Navigation
The Food Bank’s Food Assistance Navigation Program helps Berkshire residents connect with emergency food programs, complete forms, and navigate available resources. Services are free and available to all ages. Coverage includes Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties.
How the Food Bank Supports All of Western Massachusetts
Regional Food Distribution Network
The Food Bank supplies 199 partner pantries and meal sites across Western MA, ensuring a reliable, coordinated regional flow of food.
Mobile Food Bank & Senior Brown Bag Programs
Mobile Food Banks bring fresh produce and groceries directly to underserved neighborhoods, while the Brown Bag: Food for Elders program helps older adults access supplemental groceries.
SNAP Outreach and Enrollment
The Food Bank operates an active SNAP Outreach Team, especially critical during periods of federal disruption. SNAP enrollment assistance continues throughout the year, helping residents maintain access to essential benefits.
Advocacy & Community Resilience
As public assistance shifts and food costs rise, the Food Bank works with partners such as the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, which awarded a $200,000 grant in 2026 to strengthen food access across the region. These investments bolster the Food Bank’s capacity to meet surging need and support long‑term food security strategies.
Together, We End Hunger
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is committed to ensuring that everyone in our region has access to the nutritious food they need -today and in the future. Whether through donations, volunteering, advocacy, or community partnerships, local residents and organizations play a vital role in building a hunger‑free Western Massachusetts.
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