WORCESTER—The Worcester Red Sox and Fallon Health celebrated a milestone on last week, marking the fifth anniversary of their Strike Out Hunger campaign at Polar Park.
Before the WooSox’ game against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Fallon Health presented a $50,000 donation to the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB). Since the campaign began in 2020, Fallon has donated $250,000, enabling the WCFB to distribute $1 million worth of healthy food across Worcester County.
The campaign donates $50 for every strikeout recorded by a WooSox pitcher during the season, with contributions capped at $50,000 per year.
“Hunger is a health issue that affects far too many individuals and families in our community,” said Manny Lopes, Fallon Health’s president and CEO, in the announcement. “As we celebrate 5 years of the Strike Out Hunger, we’re proud of the impact we’ve made—providing critical funding, educating the public, and advocating for lasting change.”
WooSox president Dr. Charles Steinberg praised the collaborative effort, saying the initiative demonstrates “the power of partnerships” between sports teams, health organizations, and food banks.
Jean McMurray, executive director of the Worcester County Food Bank, said the latest gift alone will provide $200,000 worth of healthy food this season. “Over five years, Strike Out Hunger has become a vital partnership in our mission,” she said.
In the days leading up to Sunday’s celebration, WooSox pitchers Hobie Harris and Alex Hoppe joined Fallon Health and team representatives for a visit to the food bank in Shrewsbury to see the campaign’s impact firsthand.
Fans also contributed, bringing hundreds of non-perishable items to the ballpark. Each donated item earned 10 WooSox Rewards points, up to 200 points.
Food insecurity continues to affect one in six families in Worcester County, according to the WCFB. Every dollar donated to the food bank supports the distribution of $4 worth of food.
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