Programs & Events

The Gleaning Project works with youth and school groups to engage them in the service of collecting the excess produce and donating it to agencies that serve the hungry and homeless in Western Massachusetts.

An expansion of our Bea’s Harvest, Growing Gardens provides the Pioneer Valley with direct access to healthy food by helping local organizations build gardens to grow culturally appropriate food. We also provide materials such as kits to create raised beds, especially for agencies who may have constituents in wheelchairs, and gardening mentoring.

Since 2007, Rachel’s Table has been organizing shoppers in a friendly contest to see who can buy the most food with the least amount of money. Prizes are awarded to the most efficient shoppers, and of course all the purchased food goes straight to our agencies.

Every two years, Rachel’s Table hosts a gala event to raise the funds needed to help as many people as possible. Rachel’s Table donates more than 400,000 pounds of food to more than 53 agencies each year.

Outrun Hunger is a biennial 5K run/walk and 1 mile fun walk that Rachel’s Table hosts to raise funds to help fill the bowls of those in need. EVERY penny raised goes to alleviating hunger in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties. To view photos about the 2022 Outrun Hunger race click here.

Issues of local hunger were highlighted by music and dance performances, art exhibits and CAN-struction sculptures by students from more than 17 area schools at the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Over the years, many generous people have created special projects to help feed the hungry. Find out specific ways you can help, or start a program of your own!

Partially sponsored by a grant from The Harold Grinspoon Foundation, its goal is working to alleviate childhood hunger and educate their peers about local hunger and poverty issues, and then involve them in being part of the solution.