Nourishing the Community: MBK Works Together for Enrichment and Growth
On Friday July 19, 2024, Chelsea, Mila, Nick, Justin, Chris, and Catherine took on their horticulture skills by returning to volunteer their time at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ farm in Hadley. In previous years, team MBK helped construct greenhouses on the farmland which are now filled with flourishing tomato plants. Friday’s experience not only brought us closer but broadened our horizon to the agriculture world. Volunteering our time at the food bank was a rewarding way to give back to the community and support individuals in need.
Team MBK had a collaborative spirit performing farm chores. They learned how the farm uses a regenerative method for maintaining their fields. Tasks included filling sandbags that were used to hold tarps down preventing weed growth and shoveling compost to spread over cardboard creating two 30-foot-long plant beds.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is an organization highlighting the importance of impacting daily lives by energizing the body with nutritious foods. Providing balanced meals to individuals who face food insecurity. They believe the fresher the produce the better it is for your body and environment, which overall ties in to sustaining the planet as well. Cultivating for Community is the Food Bank’s initiative to provide resources and knowledge on regenerative farming methods.
Some statistics that have been collected in the last year of individuals facing food insecurity:
- In Massachusetts alone, 76,967 individuals (including children) face food insecurity
- Of the overall Massachusetts statistic, 15.9% individuals specifically located in our surrounding community face food insecurity.
- The average monthly of individuals served is 110,564 by the Food Bank and it's member programs
Seasonal recipes and classes are also provided by the Food Bank’s nutritional team. Partnering with the farmers to inspire creative meals for the summer and fall months using fresh produce harvested straight from the fields.
To learn more about the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Cultivating for Community program, visit their website: https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-involved/food-bank-farm-cultivating-for-community/
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