Belchertown Community Food Drive to Support Amherst Survival Center and Light and Love Community Food Drive

BELCHERTOWN, MA — Community members are invited to take part in a Belchertown Community Food Drive on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Belchertown Town Hall. The drive will support the Light and Love Community Food Drive, benefitting the Amherst Survival Center, which serves Belchertown and thirteen additional communities across the region.  

The food drive aims to help address food insecurity during the winter months by collecting non-perishable food items and household essentials for local families and individuals in need.  

Requested donations include canned vegetables, beans, and soups; pasta, rice, and shelf-stable grains; peanut butter and other protein-rich foods; breakfast items such as oatmeal and cereal; and personal care and paper goods.  

The event is hosted by State Representative Aaron Saunders and State Senator Jake Oliveira, with generous support from Window World of Western Mass, in partnership with the Light and Love Community Food Drive.  

"Food insecurity affects families in every corner of our region, including right here in Belchertown," said State Representative Aaron Saunders. "This food drive is a straightforward way for neighbors to come together and support the Amherst Survival Center's critical work during the winter months."  

"Food insecurity does not stop at town lines and impacts families across our region," said State Senator Jake Oliveira. "This community food drive will help ensure families in Belchertown and surrounding communities have access to the essentials they need. Together, we can support the vital work of the Amherst Survival Center and the Light and Love Community Food Drive and make sure help reaches those who need it most."  
  
"At Window World of Western Mass, we believe a strong community is built on neighbors helping neighbors. As a family-owned business rooted in Belchertown, we wanted to say thank you to the community that has been so supportive of us. Giving back is at the heart of who we are, and being able to make an impact on hunger and food insecurity in the towns we live and work in was our opportunity to help our neighbors in need. We're grateful that State Representative Aaron Saunders contacted us to be a part of this worthy cause," said Tim Drost, Owner, Window World of Western Mass.  

Residents, families, community groups, businesses, and faith communities are all encouraged to participate. Donations of any size are welcome, and community members are invited to stop by at any point during the event window.  

Event Details  
What: Belchertown Community Food Drive  
When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  
Where: Belchertown Town Hall  
Benefitting: Amherst Survival Center, through the Light and Love Community Food Drive