Florence Bank Donates $28,500 to Help “Ice Out Hunger” in the Valley

For the third consecutive year, Florence Bank has partnered with UMass Sports Properties and the University of Massachusetts hockey team to Ice Out Hunger in the region at a time when food insecurity is at a record high. To date, the promotion has provided $28,500 of support to 19 area food pantries.

The program started in October 2023, with the Bank awarding $500 grants to 19 nonprofits from Springfield to Greenfield at UMass home games. A different food pantry was highlighted during the first intermission, and a fan was chosen to ride on the Mullins Center’s Zamboni, which is wrapped with Florence Bank’s branding.

Andrew Stuebner, General Manager for UMass Sports Properties, the multi-media rights holder for Massachusetts Athletics, is pleased to partner with the bank to help Ice Out Hunger.

“This initiative continues to be a win-win because it supports vital nonprofits while bringing extra excitement to our fans at the games,” Stuebner said.  “We are thrilled to be completing our third year of this impactful partnership with Florence Bank.” 

Florence Bank President and CEO Matt Garrity said, “Our partnership with UMass has helped raise awareness and provide much-needed support for local organizations committed to food security in the Valley.”

The donated funds have helped cover the cost of thousands of meals for people in need throughout the Valley.

“We are deeply honored to be a part of the Ice Out Hunger program. This generous gift empowers us to continue our mission of nourishing our neighbors and ensures that everyone in our community has access to the food they need,” said Kaitlyn Ferrari, Development Director of Manna Community Kitchen.

The following organizations have received funds from the Bank as part of the Ice Out Hunger program: Amherst Survival Center; Center for Self-Reliance/Community Action Pioneer Valley, Greenfield; CHD Not Bread Alone, Amherst; Chesterfield Community Food Cupboard; Easthampton Community Center; Easthampton Congregational Church Food Cupboard; Gray House, Springfield; Hampshire Support Alliance, Northampton; Helping Hands Cupboard/Belchertown United Church of Christ, Belchertown; Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, Chicopee; Manna Community Kitchen, Northampton; Margaret’s Pantry and Kate’s Kitchen at Providence Ministries, Holyoke; Most Holy Redeemer Church, Hadley; Neighbors Helping Neighbors, South Hadley; Northampton Survival Center; Open Pantry Community Services, Springfield; Southampton Community Cupboard; Springfield Rescue Mission; and The Parish Cupboard, West Springfield/Agawam/Feeding Hills.