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Laura Hietala of ESE’s Agriculture department helps carry food donations to the Rachel’s Table van.

Jessica Craig, volunteer with Rachel’s Table, organizes food donations from ESE.

Mike Craig, volunteer with Rachel’s Table, loads a van with food donations from Eastern States Exposition for the hungry.

EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION DONATES SURPLUS FOOD TO RACHEL’S TABLE OF WESTERN MASS FOLLOWING THE BIG E

Following The Big E 2025, Eastern States Exposition hosted a food drive through the Moses Building located in West Springfield, Mass. On Monday, September 29, Jessica and Mike Craig, volunteers with Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts (RTWM), arrived at the fairgrounds to collect food donations.

RTWM is a Springfield-based food rescue service that distributes donated and specially purchased foods, without charge, to agencies that feed hungry families and individuals in the greater Western Mass. region. Rachel’s Table also provides training programs on food safety and information on efficient distribution, establishes a network of community support systems that work collaboratively to counter hunger and advocate, where and when it is appropriate, for food insecure people.

The partnership between ESE and RTWM first began in 2023 when then-director of the ESE Fund approached the food rescue about gathering donations from concessionaires during the Fair. The drive has expanded to a year-round collaboration and led to a new relationship between RTWM and Performance Food Group (PFG), a Springfield-based business; they cater to many food service and food delivery needs, including stocking restaurants, national chains, vending, convenience, concessions and more.

Jodi Falk, executive director of RTWM, said, “The partnership between The Big E and Rachel’s Table serves Western Mass. residents who struggle with knowing where their next meal is coming from. Together we can alleviate some of these problems, and RTWM is grateful our volunteer operations can make a difference!"

Over the course of The Big E, the Moses Building serves as safe and secure housing for 4-H students and youth working steer exhibitors and their verified chaperones. This year, there were 550 youth and 350 adult chaperones throughout the Fair. During their stay, guests are provided with meals prepared by the Moses Building staff. Excess food from these meals was donated to Rachel’s Table to be distributed to two local food shelters: the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center and All Nations Church of God Food Pantry.

ESE’s statement of purpose emphasizes a need to use its regional facilities to best serve the interests of the Northeast. In accordance with this mission, ESE looks forward to a long partnership with RTWM and hopes to further its impact in the years to come.