Food Bank participates in national study

HATFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is participating in the national Hunger in America 2014 Study.

It's a study conducted every four years by the Feeding America Network. Nearly 200 food banks across the country collect data about the populations they serve.

The executive director of the Hatfield food bank says telling the story of our neighbors in the region helps raise awareness among the public and legislators.  They plan on recruiting more than 30 people to travel to area feeding programs and interview the staff and those facing hunger.

“To learn from them, what they are experiencing, and it's really a rich opportunity to understand the situation that many people, 1 in 8 in our region, face at any given day or month of the year,” said Food Bank Director Andrew Morehouse.

The 2010 study revealed that an average of 15,000 people went to a local pantry every week. And that 1 out of 3 households with food insecurities had one working adult in the family. 

The first volunteer training is in two weeks. If you are interested call (413) 247-9738, or click here .