Monson Savings Bank Donates $10,000 to Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank announced a $10,000 donation to the Emergency Food Pantry operated by Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS), reinforcing the bank’s commitment to supporting local families and individuals facing food insecurity.

The donation was presented by Monson Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Moriarty and Assistant Vice President, Community Lending Officer Wil Morales, who also serves on the board of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, to MLKFS CEO Shannon Rudder and Chief Development Officer Claudia Pazmany.

The MLKFS Emergency Food Pantry provides essential nourishment to individuals and families facing food insecurity in the Greater Springfield area. With rising demand, the contribution from Monson Savings Bank will help ensure the pantry remains stocked and accessible to those who rely on its services.

“This donation reflects our deep commitment to the communities we serve,” Moriarty said. “We are honored to support the vital work of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services and help provide food security to our neighbors.”

Added Morales, “as someone who sees firsthand the impact of MLKFS, I am proud to be part of a bank that steps up when our community needs us most. This gift will make a real difference.”

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services Food Pantry, located at the Community Center on 3 Rutland St. in Springfield’s Mason Square neighborhood, provides critical emergency food services to individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout Hampden County. Operating every Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon, the pantry offers a variety of food items, including meats, dairy, baked goods, and fresh and canned produce, based on availability.

Shoppers select their own items rather than receiving pre-packed bags, and while proof of residency is requested, no one is turned away. The pantry is staffed by a dedicated program director and supported by more than 20 weekly volunteers, with food donations supplied by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and other grocery partners.

Additionally, MLKFS hosts a Mobile Food Bank in partnership with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the same location. All shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags, and SNAP eligibility screenings are available onsite. To learn more, visit www.mlkjrfamilyservices.org/families.

“At a time when funding cuts threaten the very safety nets our communities rely on, this investment in our Emergency Food Pantry is more than just financial support; it’s a statement of belief in our mission and those who we are honored to serve,” Rudder said. “Our pantry team is powered by the heart and hands of devoted volunteers who show up every day with one goal: to ensure no one in our community goes hungry. Our partnership with Monson truly bolsters our ability to meet the growing need and reaffirms that compassion and commitment still win, even in the hardest of times.”

Pazmany added that “we are incredibly grateful to Monson Savings Bank for their continued generosity. Their support feeds our mission to lead with hope and drive action, shaping futures with dignity and compassion across cultures and generations.”