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Members of the local community are invited to take part in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Dining Services’ 15^th annual UMass 5K Dash & Dine. The event, which takes place on Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m., aims to promote health and wellness at UMass Amherst while raising funds for The Amherst Survival Center (ASC).

UMass Dining, the largest collegiate dining program in the nation, is committed to enriching the student experience and fostering a strong sense of community on campus. Over the past 14 years, its UMass 5K Dash & Dine has raised more than $60,000 to support ASC. UMass Dining’s partnership in the Campus Pantry, Amherst Survival Center at UMass has also provided more than 150,000 meals to over 2,800 campus community members this academic year.

“The Dash and Dine brings our students, faculty, staff and surrounding community together to run for wellness and dine with purpose, raising vital support and awareness for neighbors in need,” says Ken Toong, associate vice chancellor of UMass Auxiliary Enterprises, which operates UMass Dining.

Along with longtime media partner WWLP and new media partner 94.7 WMAS, UMass Dining has helped support services that have annually provided: 

• 1,573,806 total meals through prepared community meals and grocery distribution
• Support to 11,908 unique individuals across Hampshire and Franklin counties 
• 57,135 freshly prepared community meals, serving an average of 215 lunches daily

“This long-standing student-led effort has played a meaningful role in ensuring that neighbors facing food insecurity have consistent access to nourishing meals, fresh food and community connection,” says ​​Carleen Basler, ASC executive director.

The fee is $15 for all Five-College students ($20 on event day), $25 for UMass Amherst faculty and staff ($30 on event day), and $30 for the general public ($35 on event day). Children 8 years old and under are free to participate. The fee includes registration and a complimentary meal at the university’s award-winning dining facilities in the Berkshire Dining Commons, 121 Southwest Circle, Amherst.

Online registration ends at midnight on April 24; walk-up registration will be available on event day.An event schedule, registration form and opportunity to donate can be found on the UMass 5K Dash & Dine website.