Hampden County Chambers of Commerce Unite to Fill Food Bank

CHICOPEE — Six Hampden County chambers of commerce once again joined forces this spring to make a meaningful impact in the fight against food insecurity, raising $6,590 and collecting 1,881 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts through their third annual Fill the Food Bank event.

The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, West of the River Chamber of Commerce, Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, and Springfield Regional Chamber partnered to host the event on March 31 at the Food Bank’s new headquarters in Chicopee.

The evening brought together chamber members from across the region for networking, community engagement, and a shared commitment to supporting local families facing hunger. In addition to showcasing the Food Bank’s new facility, the event highlighted the power of regional collaboration and community giving.

“This was an opportunity for all of the Hampden County chambers to come together for a common purpose, and the response from our members and the business community exceeded our expectations,” said Diana Szynal, president and CEO of the Springfield Regional Chamber, noting that the six chambers met regularly throughout the year, working together to bring the event to life.

“We all shared the same vision — to support our local community while strengthening partnerships across our region,” said Grace Barone, executive director of the East of the River Chamber of Commerce. “The collaboration was seamless, and it was inspiring to see businesses, organizations, and individuals rally around such an important cause.”

Thanks to generous donations from attendees, sponsors, and community partners, the event raised enough funds and food to provide the equivalent of more than 1,568 meals for individuals and families throughout Western Mass.

The chambers extend their appreciation to event sponsors All State Materials, Wash Works, Baystate Health, Country Bank, PeoplesBank, the Coating House, the Republican, Canopy Management Group, CEL/Crossroads Fiber, GoNetSpeed, and Holyoke Medical Center for their generous support and commitment to helping neighbors in need.

Thanks also go to Michael Epaul Photography for capturing the event, Six Flags New England and the Valley Blue Sox for their raffle donations, and Partners Restaurant/Tansey’s Catered Table of Agawam for providing a potato bar featuring baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, and all the fixings.

As organizers noted, “the success of Fill the Food Bank demonstrates what can be accomplished when business leaders and community organizations work together toward a common goal: strengthening the communities they serve.”