Event Details: Proceeds from this event will benefit our scholarship fund and business fund supporting the growth and development of our communities. We are thrilled to announce that for the third consecutive year, Rachel’s Table will be joining us. They will work alongside our restaurants to do what they do best: alleviate hunger and reduce food waste in Western Massachusetts. This commitment not only highlights our focus on culinary excellence but also emphasizes our dedication to community support. After the event, Rachel’s Table will partner with our restaurants to ensure that any leftover food is transformed into a lifeline for those in need. This year, we proudly spotlight Catie’s Closet as our community nonprofit spotlight. Catie’s Closet provides students in crisis with free access to essential basic necessities, laying the foundation for a successful future. By giving children in need life-changing access to clothing and other essentials, they empower them to thrive both in school and in life. Through their School Closet Program, Catie’s Closet transforms unused areas within schools into safe, welcoming spaces where students from pre-K through 12th grade can discreetly shop for clothing, toiletries, and other necessities- completely free of charge. By arming students with the power of choice, Catie’s Closet fuels their confidence, encourages them to stay in school, and opens doors to break the cycle of poverty. In partnership with Mercedes-Benz, we are excited to fill a Mercedes with new sneakers to support this vital mission. These sneakers will directly benefit students in Springfield and Holyoke who are in urgent need, specifically youth sizes 11 to 5 and teen sizes 6 to 11. Together, we can help empower students and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed. For the past two years, PeoplesBank has been our presenting sponsor, and their innovative idea to highlight Rachel’s Table as a nonprofit two years ago has inspired our ongoing tradition of supporting local nonprofits. This year, we are honored to recognize PeoplesBank as our legacy sponsor for their invaluable role in establishing this meaningful practice, which we will continue at all ERC5 events. This year, we are also grateful to have the Polish National Credit Union as our presenting sponsor. We appreciate all our sponsor for their vital role in making this event possible. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening! Tickets are still available, but they are selling fast. Join us in celebrating our community while making a difference. For ticket purchases and more information, please visit https://erc5.com/erc5-feast-in-the-east-2026/ or contact gbarone@erc5.com. Together, let’s make an impact!Feast in the East: A Culinary Celebration with a Purpose
Hampden, MA - Join us for the Feast in the East 2026, an extraordinary event that brings together over 300 guests and showcases the incredible talents of vendors throughout the Pioneer Valley. This is a unique opportunity to sample a diverse array of cuisines from local restaurants, confectioners, breweries, wineries, and other libations.
Grace Barone Executive Director ERC5
