FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jodi Falk, Executive Director jfalk@feedwma.org 413-733-0084
Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts is Thriving as an Independent Non-Profit!
Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts has been gaining momentum in our new era as an independent entity. We are happy to announce that since our separation from the Jewish Federation of Western MA, we have not only established ourselves as our own non-profit, but we have doubled down on our mission and impact in all of the counties we serve – Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin. We would love to share with you some of our restructuring, successes, and goals as we navigate this new chapter.
Our new multifaceted approach to hunger relief includes four sectors: rescue, purchase, glean and grow. These services provide food for low-income families, veterans, immigrants, refugees, children, single parents, seniors, those in recovery, and those who are unhoused. Through the expansion of these programs, and our intergenerational volunteer force, we have been able to double our impact within the community since July. Here are some of the things we have accomplished throughout this transition:
Rescue and Purchase
★ Our volunteer force has grown to over 350 individuals, working six days a week to rescue and glean surplus food
★ We have doubled our food distributions since July, redistributed an astonishing 761,000 pounds of healthy food across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties in 2023 (a 95% increase from 2022).
★ In 2023, we prevented over 1,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and saved 81 million gallons of water.
★ We receive food from 19 new food donors and redistribute it to 7 new agencies, many of which receive food from our organization alone.
Glean
★ We tripled the amount of gleaning we have done from 12 gleans (prior to July) to 44
★ We saw a 71% increase in farm-fresh produce donations (28,024 pounds in 2023 up from 16,456 pounds in 2022).
★ Approximately 25% of gleaners reported that gleaning helped them to feed themselves and their households, allowing us to reach a new demographic – those on the edge of food insecurity but not on assistance.
Grow
★ We co-created and continue to support 11 gardens, allowing community members of all ages and ranges of accessibility to grow their own culturally meaningful and healthy food.
★ We collaborate with local businesses, non-profits, language interpreters, and schools to curate community-led garden programs, workshops, and training.
Our 2024 vision includes sustaining our growth, investing in community health, expanding support for faith communities with kosher and halal foods, continuing support for refugees, expanding our garden program to Upper Valley constituents, and enhancing regional and national partnerships to tackle food supply challenges. To accomplish our goals, we are embarking on a strategic planning process with an eye towards the future. This process marks a pivotal step in our commitment to not only meet the immediate needs of those facing food insecurity but also to address the underlying causes that perpetuate hunger.
Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts is asking everyone to join the movement. We believe that every contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. We are asking that you take a moment to share our impact and opportunities for involvement with your audience. The more people we reach, the more food we can distribute to our community. If you are interested in featuring Rachel’s table in media coverage, our staff would be happy to participate in an interview to discuss our broader impact. In sharing information about Rachel’s Table, we hope to reach both those in need and those willing to volunteer. Volunteers can become a part of our community as a gardener, gleaner or driver and can find information about joining at www.feedwma.org. With questions or an interview request, please use the contact listed at the top of the page.
Other avenues for support include donation or sponsoring our upcoming Outrun Hunger 5k -May 19 in Forest Park, more information to come soon.
Thank you for your continued support as we at Rachel’s Table navigate newness and celebrate our achievements! We are proud to share all that we have accomplished thus far, and we are looking forward to making an even deeper impact in 2024 and beyond.
About Rachel’s Table
Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts (RTWM) is a grassroot, volunteer-driven hunger alleviation organization. RTWM was founded as the food rescue and recovery program of the Jewish Federation of Western Mass in 1992 and became an independent non-profit in July 2023. Through our four programs (rescue, purchase, glean, and grow), we provide holistic solutions to 65+ partner agencies and networks across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties. Our programs provide food to people in need as well as directly support food insecure communities to plan, plant, and harvest their own food. Our operations are powered by over 300 volunteers, including teen leaders who encourage their peers to educate themselves, serve others, and advocate for change. RTWM targets both immediate hunger crises and root causes of hunger, working to feed and nourish Western MA one delivery, one glean, one garden at a time. For more information on how to volunteer or donate, visit www.feedwma.org