NEPM’s Monte Belmonte is gearing up for the 16th annual March for the Food Bank, a 43-mile trek from Springfield to Greenfield raising awareness and support for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Before he hits the road, Monte joins So That Reminds Me to share the story behind the march, how it’s evolved over the years, and why its mission feels more urgent than ever amid today’s uncertain times.

• Intro: 0:12
• Beginnings of Monte’s March for the Food Bank: 5:27
• COVID’s impact on the march: 8:00
• Monte’s drive to keep the march alive: 9:25
• Planning the march: 11:19
• Importance of community support: 14:07
• The march’s impact given current events 15:55
• Addition of the Berkshire Mini-March: 17:12
• Monte’s costumes: 18:37
• Where does Monte march?: 21:36
• How can people get involved?: 24:41
• What Monte is most looking forward to: 26:41