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Date: 11/22/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Rachel’s Table unveiled a new refrigerated van that will allow the organization to distribute thousands more pounds of food annually at a Nov. 15 press conference at the MGM Springfield loading dock.
The funding for the van derives from a $75,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) amendment filed by state Sen. Eric Lesser and state Rep. Brian Ashe, while another $75,000 amendment from the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) state budget will supplement the program’s food rescue work, including operational expenses and maintenance for the van.
The new van will focus on picking up refrigerated products, such as meat and dairy, and making deliveries six days a week throughout Western Massachusetts. The van’s design allows it to transport up to four pallets and close to 2,800 pounds of food per trip. Across their network, Rachel’s Table serves 56 organizations combating food insecurity in the region.
Rachel’s Table, a program of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, additionally unveiled a new food rescue partnership with MGM Springfield. The casino will offer ongoing support to Rachel’s Table by providing surplus food from their dining facilities – a partnership that distributed over 3,500 pounds of food across four organizations in its first day of enactment.
At the Nov. 15 press conference, Rachel’s Table Executive Director Jodi Falk was joined by Lesser, Ashe, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Reps. Carlos Gonzalez and Jacob Oliveira, representation from state Sen. Adam Gomez’s office, MGM Springfield Chief Operating Officer Chris Kelley and MGM Springfield Executive Director of Hospitality Chris Smigel to reflect on the expansion of Rachel’s Table’s services.
Falk expressed gratitude for the addition of a new food transportation van, citing that the van’s debut took years of planning and collaboration.
“This is truly what partnership is all about. All of us coming together to combat hunger in our community … This van will allow us to deliver thousands more of pounds than we’ve ever have done before on a daily basis. It will also allow us to deliver to more agencies, thereby feeding more people each day,” said Falk.
Kelley advocated for Rachel’s Table as a valuable partner in MGM Springfield’s philanthropic endeavors.
“This is a time of year for celebration, but for many, this is a time of hardship. Rachel’s Table battles the challenges of food insecurities on the front lines every single day. It is an honor for us to partner with this organization and lend a hand during a time of need,” said Kelley.
Sarno recognized Rachel’s Table and the state delegation while also thanking MGM Springfield for their altruistic community projects. Along with their Rachel’s Table partnership, MGM Springfield also recently hosted Spirit of Springfield’s charitable fundraising drive The Bright Nights Ball and Rock 102’s annual Mayflower Marathon food drive.
“Important to their corporate citizenship is giving back to the community. Once again under Chris Kelley, they step forward with Rachel’s Table … thinking of the people in need. I think that’s an excellent example,” said Sarno.
In his remarks, Lesser reflected about the lingering hardships left in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. He shared that unemployment skyrocketed from 4 percent to 14 percent while food banks and human resource centers saw an unprecedented level of demand. Lesser credited Rachel’s Table for continuing to meet the rising challenge.
“Rachel’s Table, which is a relatively small community-oriented group … really sprung into gear. I think at its peak, Rachel’s Table was at least five or six times its standard volume in output through COVID[-19].”
Lesser continued, “With the addition of this van, Rachel’s Table will be at a three times operating threshold compared to its output in 2019 before COVID[-19] … It was an easy sell for us in the legislator.”
Gonzalez stressed that the Rachel’s Table van will help address food insecurity issues sprouting across all communities and demographics in Western Massachusetts.
“Hunger has so many faces, and although many times we see the hunger that exists in cities like Springfield, hunger exists all over … it comes in so many different ages, from children, families and most importantly in our seniors,” said Gonzalez.
Ashe recognized Rachel’s Table as a champion in addressing food insecurity.
“I’ve seen firsthand the great work that is done here and the need for food insecurity … It’s such an important thing and I am so happy to see this refrigerated van that will expand their [services],” said Ashe.
Oliveira considered the van a “tremendous asset” to Rachel’s Table and their mission.
“This van behind is going to be such a tremendous asset to carry that food to the places that need it most,” said Oliveira.
The press conference concluded with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Rachel’s Table van. Local leaders then loaded the van for its first day of food distribution.
Readers can learn more about Rachel’s Table and their mission at https://rachelstablespringfield.org/.