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Date: 12/22/2021
CHICOPEE – As the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts continues developing their state-of-the-art food distribution center, the Antonacci Family Foundation donated $100,000 to further the food bank’s construction during a ceremony on Dec. 13.
Mayor John Vieau opened the acceptance ceremony by speaking about the essential role the food bank will have in its new location. With the city hosting 11 food banks, the mayor said he views Food Bank of Western Massachusetts as a great partner and a necessary hub for food security. “We want to make sure the people of Chicopee have accessible ways to get food,” said Vieau.
Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Moorhouse expressed his gratitude to the Antonacci Family Foundation and the multitude of volunteers, board members and construction teams that have made the food distribution center a reality. He also stressed the importance of the food bank expanding to a new distribution center.
“The need for food assistance has exploded due to COVID-19. We know that our services are needed,” said Moorhouse, who revealed that 80,000 to 90,000 Americans rely upon food assistance on a daily basis. The food bank director said the project is still set to be finished by the summer of 2023, with the distribution center costing $22 million for the site’s competition.
Frank Antonacci then took the stage to discuss the donation on behalf of the Antonacci Family Foundation. “This project really illustrates what can be done when private and public sectors work together to get things done,” said Antonacci.
Vieau spoke on behalf of the Antonacci’s positive impact upon the community, sharing that their organization has donated around $500,000 throughout the pandemic to offset the food bank’s growing costs.
State Rep. Jacob Oliveira also spoke about the donation’s importance, stressing that a community effort is required for projects of the food bank’s magnitude. “Projects like this require us all to work together,” said Oliveira. The representative said the food bank will provide a plethora of exciting opportunities for the city and other local communities.