Monte’s March has consistently raised money to feed the hungry throughout the Pioneer Valley for 11 years and this year that will be no different, though the pandemic has forced him to make some changes.
“It’s a little sad that we won’t be able to have as many people along on the march as we have had in years past,” The River’s Monte Belmonte said.
The WRSI radio station personality will lead a small group of people on Monte’s March XI on Monday and Tuesday, making their way on the two-day 43-mile march from Springfield to Greenfield with the purposed of not only raising money, but awareness.
Belmonte will do as he always has — push an empty shopping cart as a metaphor for hunger while urging listeners to call in donations or contribute to the cause online.
Congressman Jim McGovern, a strong anti-hunger advocate locally ad nationally, will once again join Belmonte on his journey, as will representatives from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and others.
COVID-19 has forced the changes to ensure that Massachusetts safety regulations are maintained, Belmonte said. Fewer marchers will make the trek, socially distancing themselves and wearing masks throughout the event. Supporters unable to join Monte’s March in person can do so virtually, raising money online and walking shorter distances in their communities.
“Even though not everyone will be able to march with Congressman McGovern and me, I’m encouraging people to start a team, start fundraising and march with us wherever they are on the same days of the march,” he said.
Belmonte’s goal this year is to raise $365,000 to provide the equivalent of 4,000 meals per day. Last year, the march announced Belmonte had raised more than $1 million over the first 10 years.
“During these challenging times, we rely on the community more than ever to support our cause to provide healthy food to anyone who needs it, while we forge ahead with long-term solutions to end hunger as we know it,” Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse said.
For more information or for route maps, visit: www.montesmarch.com.
Noon – downtown Sunderland
1 to 2 p.m. – Berkshire Brewing Company, 12 Railroad St., South Deerfield (lunch break)
2:45 – brief stop at Atlas Farm, Routes 5 and 10 in South Deerfield
4 – Deerfield Academy in Deerfield
6 – concludes on Greenfield Common, Main Street and Bank Row
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-9591 or afritz@recorder.com.