Massachusetts Community Comes Together to Feed Hungry Families

More than 30,000 demonstrate resiliency of city in Walk for Hunger

Boston, MA (May 5, 2013)  At Project Bread’s 45^th Walk for Hunger, 30,000 Walkers and 2,000 Volunteers raised an estimated $3.1 million to support community-based programs that assist hungry people across Massachusetts.

“Today’s Walk for Hunger was a triumph, and a true expression of the resiliency and heart of Massachusetts,” said Ellen Parker, executive director of Project Bread. “I have never been more proud of our community of Walkers and supporters than I am today.”

As the first large, public gathering since the Boston Marathon, Project Bread was faced with a unique and unprecedented challenge this year. Fundraising and registrations for the Walk were immediately impacted, and the event ended the day down by a half million dollars.

Funds from the Walk for Hunger allow Project Bread to provide people from all walks of life with sustainable, nutritious food – because we believe the opposite of hungry is not full, it’s healthy. From community-based meal programs, to early childhood and school nutrition initiatives, to improved access to farm-to-table and local food resources, Project Bread funded more than 430 community food programs throughout Massachusetts last year. 

Many people are a paycheck away from a food crisis, and these programs provided a needed resource for the 750,000 people in Massachusetts who are food insecure. To continue to support these organizations, Project Bread is hoping that individuals will continue to donate and support the cause.

“As a teacher,” said Jamie Yadoff of the John Pierce Middle School in Brookline, “I see first-hand what impact hunger has on children. By participating in the experience with my students, I don’t simply raise money to fight hunger, but, together, we raise awareness about an important social justice issue.” Ms. Yadoff and her students have raised over $100,000 since 2006.

To learn more about Project Bread and The Walk for Hunger, please visit www.projectbread.org.

About Project Bread

Project Bread is the only statewide antihunger organization committed to providing people of all ages, cultures, and walks of life with sustainable, reliable access to nutritious food. From community-based meal programs, to early childhood and school nutrition initiatives, to improved access to farm-to-table resources, Project Bread approaches hunger as a complex problem with multiple solutions. With funds raised through The Walk for Hunger, the oldest continual pledge walk in the country, and other sources, Project Bread pioneers innovative initiatives and supports effective programs to eradicate hunger in our state. The Walk’s flagship sponsor is Freihofer’s Baking Company; its participating sponsors include Arbella Insurance Foundation and Raytheon Company. For more information, visit www.projectbread.org, www.facebook.com/projectbread, or www.twitter.com/walkforhunger.