MGM Springfield volunteers helping to fight food insecurity

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – MGM Springfield gave back to the community on Friday by lending a hand at the Food Bank of Western Mass. in Chicopee. Their efforts come as food insecurity continues to rise in the region.

According to Mass General Brigham and the Greater Boston Food Bank’s annual Statewide Food Access Report, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties were amongst the top five counties that face the highest rate of food insecurity in the state. In fact, the report said 52 percent of Hampden County residents are reported to be facing the issue.

Jennifer McGrath, director of philanthropy and community engagement at MGM Springfield, told us more about how they helped out Friday. “We have a big task at hand. Our team is actually sorting, we’re boxing, we’re weighing, and we’re doing everything that we can to ensure that fresh food is, quickly as it’s coming into the Food Bank of Western Mass., it’s going right out to those that need it, over the 180 nonprofits and organizations they serve,” she explained.

MGM Springfield has an ongoing partnership with the Food Bank and continues to volunteer and work with them at events throughout the year.