News

Springfield, MA (10/6/20)— United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) completed its last distributio

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield have introduced the Good Morning Heroes program, a joint effort to give back to the first responders working hard and risking their lives for our community.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno thanks and appreciates the efforts of Paul Mina, Executive Director United Way of Pioneer Valley and the UWPV team for stepping up as we come together as a community to face this pandemic. UWPV made a considerable food donation to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts today. Mayor Sarno stated, “In good times or challenging times, I can always count on our partnership with United Way.”

SPRINGFIELD — The United Way of Pioneer Valley has donated 5,000 frozen meals to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The transfer took place at Springfield City Hall earlier this week, with Mayor Domenic Sarno and United Way President and CEO Paul Mina in attendance.

With the economic effects of COVID-19 causing many area businesses to close, the Food Bank and the food pantries it serves have seen a dramatic increase in area needs. This donation was a part of the Western Mass. United Ways’ combined efforts to provide COVID-19 relief.

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.

As the number of people on unemployment increases, the number of people showing up at food pantries and designated free school lunch sites has picked up, too.

“We have seen the numbers increase as people are getting laid off from the retail and restaurant industries. We have seen an increase in the number of people applying for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits as well,” said Lillian Baulding, communications and engagement officer for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.

We all know that December is often thought of as the month of giving. But in January, the need is just as great for food assistance here in western Mass. With the help of our friends at local Bank of America branches, you can help make sure local food pantries still have supplies to help families in need in the new year.