ATHOL — The North Quabbin Food-A-Thon, a 12-hour community fundraiser supporting local food pantries, takes place today, marking its 22nd year. The event will be broadcast live from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on AOTV Channel 1301 and WVAO 105.9 FM.

The Food-A-Thon brings together volunteers, community leaders, and local businesses to spotlight the region’s efforts to fight hunger. Throughout the day-long program, guests share personal stories, conduct interviews, and encourage donations, while organizers provide regular updates on fundraising progress and emphasize the critical need for food and financial assistance across the North Quabbin area.

This annual fundraiser supports several area food programs, including the Athol High School Community Food Pantry, Our Lady Immaculate Pantry, the Salvation Army Pantry and Meal Program in Athol, the Orange Food Pantry, the Franklin County Community Meals Program, St. Vincent de Paul Pantry, and the Good Neighbors Pantry in Wendell.

Jay Deane, a Food-A-Thon steering committee member, reflected on the event’s origins in 2004. At that time, Deane and his brothers operated a radio station in Orange. The concept for a marathon fundraising event was proposed by a friend and quickly gained traction.

“Amy Clarke (Franklin County Community Meals Program) came up with the idea to fill trunks with food,” Deane recalled. “We filled two 18-foot box trucks and raised somewhere around $13,000.”

Since then, the event has expanded significantly with the support of local businesses and volunteers. Deane highlighted the ongoing generosity of community partners like Pete’s Tire Barn and Joe Goody of Athol’s Hannaford supermarket..

“Everyone is very generous with their donations and willing to help out. That’s the best part, just seeing how the community shows up for one another,” Deane said.

In recent years, pantries have faced new challenges, including a decrease in federal and USDA food supplies, increasing their reliance on fundraising events like the Food-A-Thon. Financial donations allow organizers to purchase exactly what is needed, often at reduced prices through partnerships with regional food banks.

Business sponsors who donate $500 or more are recognized during the broadcast and on the Food-A-Thon’s website, helping to encourage further support and community engagement.

Donations can be made online via PayPal or Venmo, or by mailing a check to Wendell Good Neighbors, Inc., the event’s fiscal sponsor. Checks should be made out to “Wendell Good Neighbors, Inc.” with “Food-A-Thon” in the memo line and sent to P.O. Box 222, Wendell, MA 01379.

For more information, including donation links and the live broadcast, visit www.nqfoodathon.com.