Every year come November, I am humbled by the generosity I witness throughout our communities in Western Massachusetts.

This year has had many obstacles, and even a worldwide pandemic, that have taken an incredible toll on all of us. But at a time when so many people are struggling, for so many reasons, each of you stepped up and made Monte's March a record success.

Thanks in no small part to the overwhelming support of our communities, our movement, Monte's March raised $614,577 for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts — nearly twice our goal.

I am so thankful for what we've done over 11 years with Monte's March, and am excited for what the potential of next year's event will bring.

Still, hunger remains all too real a problem in Massachusetts. There are no holidays or winter breaks for families unable — through no fault of their own—to have food reliably on their tables.

If anything, the problem is growing. Feeding America recently reported that Massachusetts has seen the highest increase in people facing food insecurity over the past two years, and now more than 1 million people in our commonwealth are food-insecure. At this moment, one in five Massachusetts children will go to bed hungry, a more than 100 percent growth since the pandemic started.

We can end hunger, we will end hunger, but only if we don't let up in our fight to feed families in need.

That's why I'm asking, if you're able, to split a donation to the Worcester County Food Bank and Food Bank of Western Massachusetts today, and ensure more children will have sufficient meals this winter.

Together,

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