We, في بنك الطعام, are deeply saddened by the destruction caused in Western Massachusetts and beyond بسبب العواصف الأخيرة and الفيضانات. Across the Commonwealth, current estimates are أن 2,000 فدانs of farmland on 75 farms were تأثيرd, totaling $15 million في لosses. Our heart goes out especially to local farmers, بعض منهم لديك كان مدمر losses of crops as rivers overflowed into nearby fields، بما فيها the fields of our long-time partner Mountain View Farm CSA و صفحة newest partners Joe Czajkowski Farm و مزرعة أطلس. الثلاثة جميعا شركاء أيضا lease land on our two مزارع بنك الطعام in هادلي.  We are relieved to report no significant crop damage has occurred on either الطعام Baنك فذراع.

Ever-changing weather events, particularly in the last three years in a row, pose a significant threat to the livelihoods of our neighbors who have made it their life’s work to grow food for communities in our region and across the Commonwealth. Our farmers have been some of our strongest allies, providing about one million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables every year to households facing food insecurity.  

During this difficult time, we urge the community to consider supporting local farms seeking recovery assistance in the coming months. Massachusetts Governor Healy recently announced the establishment of the Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund, which will be set up in partnership with the United Way of Central Massachusetts.  The public is urged to donate to it here: https://unitedwaycm.org/farmfund/.

We are lucky to be surrounded by such beautiful farmland and the amazing people who grow fresh local food for us. We depend on them to carry out our mission and they depend on you to buy local food.  

شكرا لكم,
بنك الطعام في غرب ماساتشوستس