Easthampton, MA – Matthew Sosik, President and Chief Executive Officer of bankESB, has announced the commencement of the bank’s 2025 Neighbors Helping Neighbors fundraising initiative, dedicated to bolstering local food pantries. This yearly effort directly addresses the critical issue of food insecurity within the Western Massachusetts region.
Fifth Year of Community Support
Table of Contents
- 1. Fifth Year of Community Support
- 2. How to participate and Incentive Program
- 3. Supported Food Pantries
- 4. Understanding Food Insecurity: A Growing Concern
- 5. Frequently Asked questions About the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Campaign
- 6. How does bankESB’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative directly address the rising demand for food assistance?
- 7. Food Banks Thrive as bankESB Champions Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fundraiser Initiative
- 8. The Growing Need for Food Assistance
- 9. bankESB’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Initiative: A Powerful Partnership
- 10. Impact on Local Food Banks: Real-World Benefits
- 11. Understanding Food Insecurity & Available Resources
- 12. How to Get Involved: Supporting the cause
- 13. The Role of Community Banks in Social Duty
- 14. Addressing Long-Term Solutions to Food Insecurity
This marks the fifth consecutive year bankESB has organized this vital appeal, inviting customers, employees, and residents to contribute financially between October 1st and October 31st. Every dollar donated will be matched – up to $2,500 per contributor – by bankESB, effectively doubling the impact. The collected funds will then be distributed to fourteen participating food pantries serving various communities throughout Western Massachusetts.
In 2024,The Neighbors Helping Neighbors campaign successfully raised $28,000,bringing the total donations,inclusive of matching funds,to an notable $137,000 since the program’s inception. This demonstrates a sustained commitment to local communities in need.
How to participate and Incentive Program
Donations of any size are warmly welcomed. To encourage participation, bankESB is offering donors the opportunity to enter a drawing for a $25 gift card. These drawings will be held at each of the bank’s eleven branch locations.
“Our Neighbors Helping Neighbors program is a powerful testament to the strength of community collaboration in tackling urgent needs,” stated Sosik. “bankESB is proud to spearhead this annual tradition of giving, and we extend our gratitude to all those who contribute so generously each year.”
Individuals wishing to support the cause can make donations through October 31st. Checks, payable to “bankESB Neighbors,” can be delivered to any bankESB branch or mailed to Margaret Prendergast, bankESB, 36 Main st., Easthampton, MA 01027.
Supported Food Pantries
The fourteen food pantries benefiting from this year’s campaign include: Best Life Food Ministry (Agawam), BUCC Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry (Belchertown), Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen (Chicopee), Easthampton Community Center Food Pantry, Easthampton Congregational Church Food Cupboard & Oasis Kitchen, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts (Chicopee), Hadley Food Pantry, Hilltown Food Pantry (Goshen), Margaret’s Pantry (Holyoke), Neighbors Helping Neighbors Inc. (South Hadley),Northampton Survival Center,Not Bread Alone (Amherst),Southampton Community Cupboard,and Westfield Soup Kitchen.
| Year | Total Raised (donations + Match) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $25,000 |
| 2022 | $30,000 |
| 2023 | $32,000 |
| 2024 | $28,000 |
Did You Know? Food insecurity affects millions of Americans, and local food banks play a vital role in providing essential support. According to Feeding America, over 34 million people, including 9 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2022.
Pro Tip: Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a notable difference in the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity. consider volunteering your time at a local food pantry to further support your community.
What are your thoughts on community-led initiatives to address food insecurity? How else can banks play a role in supporting local needs?
Understanding Food Insecurity: A Growing Concern
Food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life, remains a persistent challenge in manny communities.Factors such as economic hardship, unemployment, and rising food costs contribute to this issue.Initiatives like bankESB’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors program are critical in bridging the gap and ensuring vulnerable populations have access to nutritious meals. Moreover, the ongoing support for food pantries creates a safety net for individuals and families in times of need, promoting community resilience.
Frequently Asked questions About the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Campaign
- What is the Neighbors Helping Neighbors campaign? This is an annual fundraising drive by bankESB to support local food pantries in Western Massachusetts.
- How does bankESB support the donations? BankESB matches every donation up to $2,500 per customer, doubling the impact.
- Where can I donate to the campaign? Donations can be made at any bankESB branch or mailed to Margaret Prendergast at the provided address.
- What is the deadline for donations? The deadline to participate in the 2025 campaign is October 31st.
- Which food pantries benefit from this initiative? Fourteen food pantries across Western Massachusetts receive support from the Neighbors Helping Neighbors campaign.
- Is my donation tax-deductible? Please consult with a tax professional to determine if your donation is tax-deductible.
Share this important news with your network! Let’s work together to support our local communities and fight food insecurity.
How does bankESB’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” initiative directly address the rising demand for food assistance?
Food Banks Thrive as bankESB Champions Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fundraiser Initiative
The Growing Need for Food Assistance
The demand for food bank services continues to rise across the nation, driven by factors like inflation, economic uncertainty, and ongoing recovery from global events. More families and individuals are turning to food pantries and emergency food assistance programs to meet their basic needs.This increased reliance highlights the critical role these organizations play in combating food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities.Recent data indicates a meaningful surge in usage, particularly among children and seniors. understanding food desert areas and the challenges they present is also crucial in addressing this issue.
bankESB’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Initiative: A Powerful Partnership
bankESB has stepped forward as a key champion in addressing this growing need through it’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” fundraiser.This initiative directly supports local food banks and hunger relief organizations, providing vital funding for operations, food procurement, and program expansion. The campaign leverages bankESB’s community presence and customer base to maximize impact.
Here’s how the initiative works:
* Donation Matching: bankESB matches a portion of every donation made during the campaign period, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution.
* Branch Collection Points: Convenient donation drop-off locations are available at all bankESB branches, making it easy for customers and community members to participate.
* Online Giving Platform: A dedicated online platform allows for secure and convenient donations from anywhere.
* Employee Volunteerism: bankESB employees actively volunteer their time at local food banks, demonstrating a commitment beyond financial support.
Impact on Local Food Banks: Real-World Benefits
The “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” fundraiser has had a tangible impact on local food banks. Funds raised have enabled:
* Increased Food Purchases: Food banks can purchase more nutritious food, including fresh produce, dairy, and protein, to meet the dietary needs of their clients.
* Expanded Storage Capacity: Investments in refrigeration and freezer equipment allow food banks to store perishable items safely and efficiently, reducing waste.
* Enhanced Distribution Networks: Funding supports transportation costs and logistical improvements,ensuring food reaches those who need it most.
* Program Development: Support for specialized programs like mobile food pantries and senior meal delivery services.
Understanding Food Insecurity & Available Resources
Food insecurity isn’t simply about a lack of food; it’s a complex issue rooted in poverty, unemployment, and systemic inequalities. It impacts health, education, and overall well-being.Here are some key resources for those experiencing food hardship:
* Feeding America: A national network of food banks providing support to millions of Americans. (https://www.feedingamerica.org/)
* foodpantries.org: A extensive directory of food pantries across the United States. (https://www.foodpantries.org/)
* SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition assistance Program): A federal program providing food assistance to low-income individuals and families. (https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap)
* Local Food Bank Websites: Each local food bank maintains a website with information on services, eligibility requirements, and donation opportunities.
How to Get Involved: Supporting the cause
There are numerous ways to support the fight against hunger and contribute to the success of initiatives like bankESB’s “Neighbors Helping neighbors”:
- Donate: Make a financial contribution to your local food bank or participate in the bankESB fundraiser.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to assist with food sorting, distribution, or administrative tasks.
- Advocate: raise awareness about food insecurity and advocate for policies that support hunger relief efforts.
- Organize a Food drive: collect non-perishable food items from your community and donate them to a local food bank.
- Spread the word: Share information about the “neighbors helping Neighbors” initiative and other hunger relief programs on social media and within your network.
Community banks like bankESB play a vital role in fostering social responsibility and supporting the communities they serve. Their commitment to initiatives like “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” demonstrates a dedication to addressing local challenges and improving the quality of life for residents. This focus on community impact differentiates them from larger, national institutions and strengthens their relationships with customers and stakeholders. Financial institutions supporting local charities are becoming increasingly significant in building resilient communities.
Addressing Long-Term Solutions to Food Insecurity
While emergency food aid is crucial, addressing the root causes of food insecurity requires long-term solutions. These include:
* Job Creation & Workforce Development: Providing opportunities for individuals to gain skills and secure stable employment.
* Affordable Housing: Ensuring access to safe and affordable housing, freeing up resources for food and other essential needs.
* increased Minimum Wage: Raising the minimum wage to a living wage, enabling individuals to afford
