Nutrition program teaches that healthier eating is within reach

Hunger is not just about lack of food. It’s also about lack of nutritious food. Here at The Food Bank, our dedicated Nutrition department addresses the connection between food and health by leading programs in the community, and educating our neighbors in need so they can make healthier choices. Drawing upon their years of experience, […]

New SNAP system leading to more problems for those seeking assistance

Since this past October, the state of Massachusetts has seen an exceptionally sharp decline in the number of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; formerly food stamps) recipients. This sudden drop is not due to recovery in the economy, but rather to a “business process redesign” implemented by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Although this […]

BJ’s Charitable Foundation Grant helps The Food Bank turn a cold shoulder to hunger in Western Mass.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is proud to announce that we are one of 30 food banks to be awarded grants this September from BJ’s Charitable Foundation. The foundation is distributing grants in celebration of BJ’s Wholesale Club’s 30th anniversary. As a member of the Feeding America network, The Food Bank is among those […]

Nutrition team engages the community to teach families healthy eating habits

by Diane Alpern RD, LDN, Food Bank Nutrition Coordinator In a recent government study, it was reported that researchers found that obesity among children ages 2 to 5 decreased to 8%, from 14% a decade ago. More broadly, health officials last year reported slight drops in obesity for low-income preschoolers in 18 states. Obesity rates […]

Reflections on Diversity and Inclusion in Western Massachusetts

by Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director Recently, I had the good fortune of participating in a two-day intensive “Undoing Racism” workshop hosted by a local group of the same name — the Undoing Racism Organizing Collective (UROC). I’d like to share with you some of my reflection on the workshop, and why this topic is important […]