Amherst, MA, 25 November 2025: This year, as communities across Western Massachusetts united for the 16th Annual March for the Food Bank, Team Tibet officially joined the effort for the first time, marking a powerful moment of service, gratitude, and compassion during the global Year of Compassion commemorating the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Every year, Monte Belmonte, Congressman Jim McGovern, Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse, and hundreds of community members walk 43 miles from Springfield to Greenfield to raise funds and awareness for hunger relief. This year’s goal—$650,000, equivalent to 1.3 million meals—reflects the rising need across the region.

Responding to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s lifelong message of compassion-in-action, the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts (RTAM) mobilized to bring Team Tibet into the march as both a participant group and a sponsor.

Thondup Tsering, Member of the North America Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, said: “In honor of the Year of Compassion and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birth anniversary, we wanted to embody his lifelong commitment to compassion and community. Tibetans have lived in Massachusetts for over 35 years, and joining the mission to end hunger is our way of giving back to this place we call home.”

Yonten Gyatso, President of RTAM, added: “Team Tibet raised close to $4000 and hosted a Tibetan breakfast on Day 2 of the march. Over 20 Tibetans walked alongside hundreds of community members. This is our way of expressing gratitude to Massachusetts and of championing His Holiness’ message of compassion through meaningful action.”

During the march, Congressman Jim McGovern spoke with Thondup Tsering about the significance of the Food Bank’s mission: “This is my 13th year marching. I do it because we have people in every city and town who don’t have enough to put food on the table. Marching means every dollar raised helps feed someone here in our community.

Congressman Jim McGovern also spoke about the presence of Team Tibet in this year’s march: “I’m honored to walk with members of the Tibetan community this year as part of the global Year of Compassion in honor of His Holiness’ 90th birthday. It is so in keeping with the spirit of what His Holiness stands for. I wear the Tibetan prayer beads he blessed for me—they bring me peace.”

He further stated that there’s a renewed awareness about Tibet and the suppression Tibetans face, especially this year. “I hope that renewed awareness translates into action, not only in the U.S. Congress but in parliaments around the world.”

The March for the Food Bank supports the work of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, which currently serves over 123,000 people each month through partner pantries, shelters, and meal sites across the four counties. With looming federal cuts to nutrition programs, demand is expected to grow.

Since its beginnings in 2010, when Monte Belmonte marched an empty shopping cart from Northampton to Greenfield, this event has raised over $4.3 million and demonstrated the power of collective action.

This year’s collaboration between the Tibetan community and the Food Bank represents a deepening of shared values—compassion, service, and community care.

Team Tibet’s participation stands as a tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision of compassion as a lived, everyday practice.

– Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat