March 4, 2026 Press Releases

Community Foundation Strengthens Food Access in Western Mass

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts receives $200,000 grant
to sustain food access work.

Across Massachusetts, reductions to federal food assistance funding and shifts to public policy, combined with persistently high food costs, are increasing pressure on households and the nonprofit food system. As more residents turn to food pantries for support, food banks and community-based organizations are working to meet higher demand while navigating constraints in funding, infrastructure, and supply.

In response, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts awarded a $200,000 grant to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in late January to help advance food access in the Community Foundation’s three-county service area. The funding strengthens the Food Bank’s core operations and supports its network of nearly 200 local pantries and meal sites during a period of sustained need. 

Families across our region are facing growing challenges in accessing affordable, nutritious food,” said Megan Burke, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “This grant provides additional support to the Food Bank, helping them continue the essential work they do every day, including the support they provide to local food pantries throughout our region, ensuring that families have reliable access to the food they need.”

By directing resources to the Food Bank, the Community Foundation is reinforcing a regional approach and supporting organizations central to the well-being of local communities.

“The disruption of federal SNAP benefits last November exposed its negative impact on thousands of people and local businesses in communities throughout our region,” said Andrew Morehouse, Food Bank Executive Director. “We’re incredibly thankful to the Community Foundation for directing this generous gift to the Food Bank. It helps us continue to meet increased demand for nutritious food and build lasting food security across Western Massachusetts.”

In addition to this investment, the Community Foundation will soon launch a separate Community Resilience Grant opportunity to support local organizations responding directly to emerging community needs. This upcoming funding will help organizations continue providing essential support that keeps individuals and households safe and stable during a period of significant federal and state funding reductions. This opportunity will be posted on March 12, 2026, and is intended to complement regional efforts by strengthening the broader network of community-based providers across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties.

To learn more about the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, visit foodbankwma.org. For more information about the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, visit communityfoundation.org.