In Massachusetts, the rate of food insecurity has more than doubled since 2019, and nowhere is that level higher than in the western region. In 2025, half of all households in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties experienced food insecurity, with a quarter of those reporting the most acute level of need.

Escalating prices for food, fuel, housing, healthcare, and other basic needs -- coupled with economic uncertainty and devastating cuts to federal support programs -- are forcing more people than ever, including working families, to seek food assistance.

Over the past year, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts served an average of nearly 116,000 people a month, providing a total of more than 14 million meals through more than 180 partner food pantries and meal sites.

Every dollar donated provides three meals to people in need and helps spread the word about this pervasive hunger crisis.
 

THANK YOU for your generosity. It's needed this year more than ever. 

-- Charlotte