Since 1982, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been striving to prevent and alleviate hunger in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties, the largest food bank service area in Massachusetts.

In that region, approximately one in every eight people suffers from chronic food shortages or needs emergency food assistance. The Food Bank works to feed more than 200,000 people, a number that has more than doubled since 2010. It distributes across a large area ranging from very rural to very urban, which alone proves logistically challenging.

Its work could not be done without the help of community partners in the food industry. Support from local and regional businesses ensures that its shelves are stocked and gives it resources needed to boost the capacity of the regional emergency food network.

There are a number of ways that companies and individuals can get involved and make a difference. They include Fork it Over for Food, an initiative that brings together restaurants, coffee shops, lunch counters and other businesses to participate by allowing customers to “tip” the Food Bank when paying their bill. By encouraging small donations in large numbers, businesses can make a big fundraising impact while informing customers of a commitment in the fight to end hunger.

Another initiative of the Food Bank is the Check-Out Hunger program. Food retailers, such as grocery stores and convenience stores, place small placards by registers that encourage customers to add donations of $1, $3 or $5 to their total when checking out.

Percent of Sales is yet another fundraiser. Berkshire Brewing Co. is one example of a community partner who donates a portion of specific product sales. By incorporating support into product marketing, such companies have the potential to both boost sales and connect with customers.

The Food Bank also provides excellent team-building activities for businesses or organizations. Volunteering in its warehouse or participating in an event like Will Bike 4 Food or the Bi-ennial Gala has a direct impact on the people it serves.

September is Hunger Action Month, and The Food Bank provides numerous ways that people and businesses alike can help, such as following its 30 Ways in 30 Days Calendar on Facebook and finding one small thing you can do each day to fight hunger.

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is a member of Feeding America, wherein it joins with member agencies and hundreds of food banks across the country to ask all Americans to take action against hunger.

More information, including the many ways businesses and people can help, can be found at www.foodbankwma.org.

Every four years the Greater Boston Food Bank participates in a comprehensive study on hunger and food insecurity in the U.S. The most recent study, released in August, illustrates how the need for food assistance has grown not only nationwide, but also in eastern Massachusetts.

Contrary to the belief of many, hunger is not a problem facing just those in poverty. The new study shows that 47 percent of those at-risk of hunger in eastern Massachusetts earn too much to be eligible for government-provided emergency food assistance, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. This has led tens of thousands people who never dreamed of needing a food pantry or community meal program to turn for emergency help to feed themselves and their families.

On Oct. 15, the GBFB kicks off its Holiday Meal Drive. It reports that for many people the holidays represent a special time of year-an opportunity to gather together and celebrate with family, friends and loved ones. But for those neighbors in need, the holidays can be a difficult reminder of their struggles to make ends meet. The drive helps to ensure a place at the table for every senior, mother, father and child across eastern Massachusetts this holiday season. The effort will continue through early January with a goal of providing 45,000 meals.

Getting involved in the Holiday Meal Drive is an easy way to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Throughout the upcoming months, GBFB will be collecting turkeys, canned vegetables, rice, stuffing and all of the fixings to create healthy, nutritious holiday meals. Donors may also support the drive with financial contributions. Every $20 donation will provide a holiday meal for a family of five.

The GBFB can be contacted in numerous ways that are listed on its website, www.gbfb.org.