Cambridge Nonprofit Laced Up for 55th Annual Walk for Hunger

On May 7, the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House was among more than 4,000 participants to lace up for Project Bread’s 55th annual Walk for Hunger, held for the first time in person since 2019. For the 5th consecutive year, the Cambridge-based nonprofit was invited to raise money to fight hunger. They participated in The Commonwealth Program, which gives organizations addressing food insecurity 60% of all funds they have raised to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40% applied to Project Bread’s statewide anti-hunger effort. The event hasn’t hit the $1 million goal yet, however fundraising will continue through the summer for most participants.

True to its grassroots beginnings, the nation’s oldest community pledge walk unites community partners, business leaders, walkers, volunteers, public officials, media, and residents of all backgrounds together for a cause. Money raised through the annual event is funding Project Bread’s urgent mission to ensure kids have reliable access to food, to directly help individuals and families, and to advocate at the state and federal levels for expedited and efficient relief for those in need. Walk funds are also supporting community organizations that are helping people access food locally and ensuring communities have the resources necessary to respond to the hunger crisis now and over the long road to recovery ahead.

“1 in 5 families with children is struggling without enough to eat,” says Erin McAleer, Project Bread CEO. “The Walk for Hunger and the money it raises are vital as resources available during the pandemic continue to be peeled back. This includes free school meals, expanded SNAP benefit amounts, an increased number of Summer Eats meal sites and more. Donating to the Walk, and raising money, is something tangible all of us can do to make sure our neighbors in need can get the food to meet their most basic of needs.”

This year, 34 nonprofits participated in The Commonwealth, raising more than $116,400 and counting. The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House team was out in full force.

The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House (MFNH) was incorporated in 1902 to support individuals and families in Cambridge, MA, particularly in The Port and surrounding neighborhoods. The nonprofit's main programs are its food pantry and community advancement services; in addition, MFNH works with its partner organizations to provide a supportive and caring environment in which youth can build strong relationships, develop their identities and excel academically. The food pantry is one of the largest in Cambridge and is open to all residents of the Greater Boston Area. Of the over 1,200 households currently registered at the pantry, about two-fifths consist of senior citizens and one fifth includes children under eighteen. The diverse patron population comprises speakers of Haitian Creole, Taishanese and other Chinese languages, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian among others. Funds raised from the Walk for Hunger will go toward improving the safety and accessibility of the food pantry by installing new sturdy railings for the stairs; enhancing the pantry's storage capacity and ability to provide fresh food by upgrading one of its refrigerators; and replacing at least one of its aging freezers to ensure the safety of frozen foods. To date, the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood house has raised $1,941 toward its $3,000 goal.

"A little under half our patrons reside in Cambridge, with the remainder coming from Boston, Somerville and surrounding cities such as Quincy, Revere, Malden and Medford," says Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House’s Food Pantry Coordinator Phoebe Heyman. "We provide integrated services to individuals and families that enable them to overcome challenges, reach their potential and achieve their goals. Our food pantry is dedicated to reducing food insecurity among the population we serve, just as is Project Bread. We emphasize fresh produce and culturally appropriate foods for our diverse population."

Historically, Project Bread has hosted a 20-mile Walk for Hunger, passing through 5 towns. This year’s event followed a new 3-mile route around Boston Common. There was something for everyone as participants engaged in family-friendly activities, live music, giveaways and raffle prizes, lawn games, and a Kid’s Zone complete with balloon animals and face painting. Project Bread’s Chef Educator Sherry Hughes showed participants how to make Adobo Chicken with Corn and Cucumber Salad, a recipe developed by Project Bread Chefs to ensure school meals are healthy and delicious.

Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger fundraising continues throughout the summer with the goal of reaching the $1 million target. Visit www.projectbread.org/walk to donate or start a personal fundraiser.

People experiencing food insecurity should call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), to connect with local food resources. Support is confidential, free, and available in any language and for the hearing impaired. Learn more at www.projectbread.org/get-help.

About Project Bread

Project Bread is the leading statewide anti-hunger 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 the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House

The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House (MFNH) was founded in 1902 as a settlement house providing information and services to help immigrants assimilate into American culture. For over a century, the organization has assisted the most vulnerable people of our community, spearheading critical services that have helped many thousands of families, children and seniors. The Margaret Fuller House is a community treasure that embodies an incredible mission in which people work together to build an equitable, diverse, engaged and flourishing community in Cambridge and the Greater Boston communities it serves. MFNH provides integrated services to individuals and families to empower them to overcome challenges, reach their potential and achieve their goals.