The 43 mile walk from Springfield to Greenfield
Each year, I join my friend Monte Belmonte on a march to fight hunger here in Western Massachusetts.
This transcends politics – an empty stomach doesn't care if you're a Democrat or Republican, if you voted for Trump or Biden or anyone else. This is bigger than all of that.
Monte's March benefits The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, but this is more than just a normal fundraising drive. This is about coming together to help our friends and neighbors live more healthy and meaningful lives, build capacity for the emergency food network, and develop long-term solutions to the underlying causes of hunger.
Raising awareness about a desperate cause. Doing right by our community. No matter what we believe about anything else or our past fights, we can absolutely work together to save lives right here at home.
On November 20, we'll set out from Springfield. The sun will just be coming up. It'll be cold. But we'll be warmed by a righteous cause and a lot of coffee.
Over the next two days, we'll push on all the way to Greenfield – roughly 43 miles, as Monte's shopping cart rolls. But, Monte and I won't be alone. We'll be joined by people of all beliefs and backgrounds, together because we share a simple vision.
No one in our community – no one – should go to sleep hungry at night.
Don't do it for me. Do it for everyone quietly suffering in our community. We can beat this.
Jim
