Articles

By U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, U.S. Reps. Richard Neal and James McGovern

Today, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is breaking ground on an innovative effort that will increase access to nutritious food while also addressing environmental sustainability. Thanks in part to $3 million in congressionally-directed federal funding we fought for in Congress.

The food bank is beginning development of a new, green headquarters and distribution center in Chicopee. In addition to modernizing the operations of the food bank, this new facility aims to have net zero emissions. It will power its important mission through rooftop solar panels, and utilize high-efficiency insulation, heating and cooling systems. In anticipation of electric trucks, the distribution center will build electric charging stations. With the help of federal funding, and a deep commitment to the health of our community and our climate, the food bank is showing the country what a green food system looks like.

Healthy food plays an essential role in human development and health throughout all stages of life. Yet far too many Americans, including millions of children and seniors, lack consistent access to safe, nutritious food. More than 38 million Americans, including more than 6 million children, do not get enough to eat in a given year.

Today in Massachusetts, one in six households are food insecure, meaning these households have difficulty obtaining enough food to feed their family. For households with children, food insecurity jumps to every one in five households. This is more than a statistic. This reality has a profound impact on our society: food insecurity can force families to forgo other essentials like prescriptions or school supplies, hungry children can struggle at school, and food insecurity is closely connected to many types of illness and disease.

Food banks play a vital role in keeping our communities healthy, fed, and secure by distributing food provided through the federal Emergency Food Assistance Program, and by helping neighbors in need access programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Food banks also serve as important community institutions where commonwealth residents of all backgrounds can come together to share a helping hand.

For four decades, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been a source of nutritious food and community for Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. Their commitment to addressing hunger has helped to provide the equivalent of more than 157 million meals to needy families, seniors, and veterans in Western Massachusetts.

Recently, the food bank redoubled this commitment by purchasing a new farm to provide fresh, organic produce to high-need schools. This new organic farm utilizes sustainable agricultural practices avoiding the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that can have harmful environmental impacts. This project, in conjunction with the new facility newly under construction, exemplifies the innovative, impactful action that we can take at the local level, in collaboration with federal partners, to counter food insecurity and climate change.

As millions in the United States confront food insecurity, our global food system is also under significant strain. Recent events like the war in Ukraine and disruptions to global supply chains have caused volatility in food prices, creating additional hardship for families struggling to afford food. In addition to these recent challenges, climate change continues to threaten the long-term sustainability of our food system.

The relationship between food and our environment is inextricable. Climate patterns influence agricultural production and distribution, and pollution affects food quality and safety. Additionally, climate change can facilitate the spread of diseases that sicken food animals and pose risks to humans. As global temperatures rise, the threat to our food system only grows. Our effort to end food insecurity once and for all must also include taking meaningful steps to combat climate change.

Leaders in Western Massachusetts, like the food bank, are taking significant steps to tackle the interconnected crises of food insecurity and climate change. And we are grateful to be working alongside the Biden administration to tackle these dual challenges thoughtfully and holistically, especially in light of the White House’s recent announcement of a a nationwide convening on food, nutrition and health in September. Now, our colleagues in Congress have a responsibility to join us in our fight to take big, bold action by working together to fight hunger, combat climate change and safeguard a healthier and more equitable future for all Americans across the commonwealth and the country.

Edward J. Markey, D-Malden, represents Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate; to learn more about Markey, go online to markey.senate.gov.

U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern represents Massachusetts’ 2nd Congressional District; to learn more about McGovern, go online to mcgovern.house.gov.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal represents Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District; to learn about Neal, go online to neal.house.gov.

Link to article HERE.