International School of Boston Hits the Pavement for Walk for Hunger

On May 7, the International School of Boston 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. The Cambridge-based school walked fight hunger. 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.”

Since 2014, Christine Brandebourger-Bodet has participated in Project Bread’s annual Walk for Hunger with The International School of Boston (ISB). As the assistant director of the school, she was looking forward to being back this year on the Boston Common, walking to end hunger in Massachusetts. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the International School of Boston’s Walk for Hunger team used to have 150 members and wear bright yellow T-shirts with the school’s logo to participate in the fundraiser. The team was previously led by Anne-Christine Rice for 10 years, who originally encouraged the International School of Boston to get involved with Project Bread’s event in 2010. This year, the team has raised over $12,000 and counting above its $10,000 goal.

“Most of our students are not aware that so many children and adults in Massachusetts suffer from hunger,” says Brandebourger-Bodet. “They believe that hunger is a problem that only concerns developing countries. It is very important to me to raise awareness that food insecurity is happening around us right here. Being part of a team means a lot to me, and we are all coming together to fight hunger in our state!”

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.