When I was young, I remember times when my parents struggled to have enough food for my family of 7. I remember the panic in my parents eyes at the grocery store. We were lucky that we didn't go without, but we were lucky. 

When I was going through the foster programs to foster children, we heard countless stories of the traumatic impact of food insecurity and scarcity and what it does to the emotional and psychological development of children. We witnessed it first hand with some of our placements that had experienced the horror of not having a meal to eat for long periods of time. It left dramatic and lasting impact on their lives and had developed coping mechanisms such as food hoarding and late night binge eating.

Here in Western Massachusetts nearly 100,000 people including over 26,000 children are facing food scarcity and hunger. Nearly 40% of the hunger faced in Massachusetts is here in Western Mass. 

That's why I'm riding, and donating. I don't want anyone to experience what my kids had to experience while they were growing up, and what so many chlldren experience every day. 

This year I'll be riding 50 miles. Will you sponsor me $1 per mile? $2 mile? Whatever you can contribute will make a difference!

For every $1 you donate provides 3 Nutritious meals for families in need. Help me reach my goal of 3000 meals ($1000) for this incredible program. Please donate and make sure someone doesn't go to sleep with an empty belly. 

Thank you. I love you. Lets help end hunger. 

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So please join me in supporting the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ 16th Annual Will Bike 4 Food, presented by Stop & Shop—a powerful community ride that fuels real change across our region. Each year, riders, volunteers, and supporters come together to take action against hunger and ensure our community has access to the food they need to thrive.

Last year, this incredible event raised $60,000 more than the fundraising goal, proving what’s possible when our community shows up with generosity and purpose. This year, the Food Bank is working toward a $300,000 fundraising goal, which is critical to sustaining programs that support hundreds of local food pantries, meal sites, and partner organizations throughout Western Massachusetts. Every dollar raised helps the Food Bank source and distribute nourishing food, respond to rising food insecurity, and strengthen the local food system.

By donating, you’re not just supporting my ride—you’re helping provide meals for individuals, families, children, and seniors across our region. Your support also sends a clear message to friends, family, coworkers, customers, and clients that ending hunger in Western Massachusetts matters to you. Let’s ride together, give together, and ensure our communities can thrive—together.