Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) kicked off the unofficial start to summer by giving back to the community, volunteering for the third consecutive year at one of the two Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ farms in Hadley. In past years, MBK’s team helped with tasks such as filling sandbags to secure tarps for weed prevention, spreading compost over cardboard to build two 30-foot-long plant beds, and even constructing greenhouses that are now filled with vegetable plants.

On Friday May 30^th, Chris, Karen, Elise, and John beat the rain and were out in the fields planting tomato, lettuce, and basil plants. Additionally, they installed garden netting for young plant protection creating a safe growing environment from heavy winds and pests.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is a not-for-profit organization bringing awareness to local food insecurity. They offer a surplus of programs to the public with the goal of reducing the number of individuals who face food insecurity in Western Massachusetts. The numerous programs that are run by the organization help provide balanced meals to individuals and families along with educating those on nutritional value. As part of their Cultivating for Community initiative, the Food Bank promotes regenerative farming practices that are good for people and the planet, emphasizing that the fresher the produce, the better the impact on the body and the environment.

A glance at what the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Cultivating for the Community Farms initiative support:

• Education: Teaches the community of volunteers and students the importance of regenerative farming, nutritional value, and the significance of local farming economy and food insecurity.
• Fresh Produce Opportunities: Food Bank member food pantries and local schools can access crops from the farm since they are donated once harvested.
• In 2024, over 11,000 lbs. of organic crops were donated to pantries located in Amherst, Chicopee, and Springfield.
• Farm-to-school grants from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture enables the Food Bank partnerships with local public schools, providing students with meals that include fresh locally grown vegetables.
• Support for Local Agriculture: Maintaining a regenerative farm creates equity in the local farm economy through farmland leasing opportunities 

This initiative is just one of the many ways the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is working toward its mission to end hunger and food insecurity in Western Massachusetts. To learn more about the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts volunteer programs, visit their website by clicking here to view the numerous opportunities available.