Cambridge-Based Nonprofit to Raise Money for Local Food Security

On May 5, Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House Food Pantry will be among over 3,500 participants to lace up for Project Bread’s 56th annual Walk for Hunger. For the 2nd consecutive year, the Cambridge-based nonprofit will raise money to support statewide food security through the Commonwealth Program. The Commonwealth gives organizations addressing food insecurity 60% of all funds they raise to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40% applied to Project Bread’s statewide food security effort. Last year, Project Bread awarded $1,100 to Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House Food Pantry.

Beginning in 1969, as the first pledge walk in the nation, Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger brings together a diverse community dedicated to creating change. The one-day event is set for Sunday, May 5 at 9 a.m. on the Boston Common and will feature family-friendly activities, programming, and games. Project Bread works year-round across policy initiatives, programs, and hunger prevention measures to ensure food access for all children and families across the Commonwealth.

“We have made incredible strides against hunger, from the passage of permanent free school meals in Massachusetts to increasing access to SNAP for immigrants facing food insecurity,” says Erin McAleer, Project Bread’s CEO. “But hunger is still a pervasive problem in our state, with 1 in 6 households and 1 in 5 households with children currently facing food insecurity. The work Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House Food Pantry does reflects what the Walk is all about – continuing to step up each year to make sure our neighbors in need can access and afford food. The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House Food Pantry Walk team understands how we need to work together for statewide food security because our community is what makes us stronger.”

As one of the largest-by-volume food pantries in the region, the food pantry at Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House is a lifeline for over 1,200 households. It serves not only the Cambridge community from which the pantry operates, but Greater Boston as well, and has the unique offering of being open four days a week. In February 2024, the nonprofit opened a remodeled, full-choice “shopping model” pantry to support their diverse patron base, including senior citizens, multi-generational households, and residents of public housing, with a significant proportion being Haitian Creole, Cantonese and Taishanese speakers. The funds raised through The Commonwealth program will contribute to a delivery service for some local residents, covering transportation costs, an online ordering system, additional food storage, and volunteer trainings.

“Helping individuals access food with dignity is central to both the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House and Project Bread missions,” says Phoebe Heyman, Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House Food Pantry Coordinator. “We are looking forward to hitting the pavement alongside our staff members and neighbors to support our food pantry and help end hunger here in Massachusetts once and for all.”

Money raised through the Walk for Hunger is critical to Project Bread’s statewide work for systemic change through the levers of policy, prevention, and partnerships to ensure people of all ages have reliable access to healthy food. Project Bread launched the joint-fundraising Commonwealth Program in 2019. In 2023, 34 nonprofits raised more than $160,000 to support their own programs for statewide food security.

To register as a participant for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, or to support a walker or team with a donation, visit projectbread.org/walk. Donate directly to the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House Food Pantry Commonwealth team at give.projectbread.org/team/571012. There is no registration fee or fundraising minimum to participate, although a $250 minimum goal is suggested. Participants who raise $500 or more are recognized as Heart & Sole walkers and receive access to personalized fundraising support, exclusive event gear and invitations to events.

People experiencing food insecurity should call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), which provides confidential, free assistance getting connected to a variety of food resources in 180 languages and for the hearing impaired. Counselors can pre-screen families and help them to apply for SNAP. Learn more at www.projectbread.org/get-help.

About Project Bread

Project Bread is the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts. Beginning in 1969 with the first Walk for Hunger, the nonprofit focuses on driving systemic change to ensure people of all ages have reliable access to healthy food. Project Bread works collaboratively across sectors to create innovative solutions to end hunger and improve lives across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org.

About Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House

The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House is a landmark nonprofit that has been serving the Cambridge and Greater Boston area for the last 120 years. The organization provides integrated services to individuals and families to empower them to overcome challenges, reach their potential and achieve their goals. For more information, visit: www.margaretfullerhouse.org.