Rachel’s Table Food Drive at Big E Generates More Than 3,000 Pounds of Donations

SPRINGFIELD — The Big E facilitated a food drive among its concessionaires this year, which generated more than 3,000 pounds in donations to Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts (RTWM), a Springfield-based food rescue service that distributes donated and specially purchased foods, without charge, to agencies that feed hungry families and individuals in the Western Mass. region.

Rachel’s Table also provides training programs on food safety and information on efficient distribution, and has established a network of community support systems that work collaboratively to counter hunger and advocate, when appropriate, for food-insecure people.

In 2023, Nancy Delson, director of the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) Fund, approached RTWM about gathering food donations during the fair. She then called upon food vendors at the Big E to pack unserved food and prepare it for donation to the food-rescue service.

“I reached out to Rachel’s Table because feeding the hungry is so well-aligned with ESE’s mission to support agriculture and our community,” Delson said.

Now in its second year, this partnership is an extension of ESE’s commitment to improving lives in this region. ESE donates to RTWM outside of fair time, too, providing food from year-round events.

Through its connection with ESE, Rachel’s Table was able to secure a relationship with Performance Food Group (PFG) within the last year. PFG is also a Springfield-based business, catering to many food-service and food-delivery needs, including stocking restaurants, national chains, vending, convenience, concessions, and more.

“The collaboration between Eastern States Exposition and Rachel’s Table of Western Mass. supports food security in our community,” said Jodi Falk, RTWM’s executive director. “This year, we picked up 3,138 pounds of delicious surplus food from the vendors at the Big E and distributed it to 10 local agencies that service those among us that may not know where their next meal is coming from.

“These days, food prices are high, so saving food from landfills and bringing it to feed people makes much more sense,” Falk added. “We are grateful to the Big E for this partnership that encourages stewardship among members of our community and the greater world.”

ESE’s statement of purpose emphasizes a need to use its regional facilities to best serve the interests of the Northeast. In accordance with this mission, ESE looks forward to a long partnership with RTWM and hopes to further its impact in the years to come.