5,000 meals donated to Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

Tom Leporati of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts (left) and Joe Mina of United Way handling a pallet of food.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – United Way of Pioneer Valley has donated 5,000 frozen meals to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

United Way representatives gathered in front of Springfield City Hall as their meals were moved into the Food Bank’s truck. Mayor Sarno partnered with the United Way on this effort and checked in on the delivery process.

The meals included high-quality chicken and vegetables. They said the coronavirus is making the work they do very difficultly but they will continue to do everything they can to help those in need.

“Even though we are all hurting and hunkered down, there are still a lot of people who need a tremendous amount of support,” said Paul Mina, CEO of United Way. “That’s our responsibility we cannot just do that. We’re helping all the time and it’s no different in times of a crisis.”

Mina told 22News they are following the DPH and CDC guidelines during this time to keep staff safe. They’ve all been working from home for the last two weeks. Mina added they desperately need donations for their community care fund, which is used to support local service providers.

United Way of Pioneer Valley thanks those who generously donated to the Recovery and Relief Fund that was created with the help of United Ways of Hampshire and Franklin County. To learn more about the organization’s relief efforts or to make a donation, click here.