Nora Jerrett Steps Up for Project Bread’s 56th Annual Walk for Hunger

MEDFORD, Mass. – During the spring of 2020, Medford resident Nora Jerrett’s study abroad program was cut short. The then junior in Boston University’s College of Communication moved to her family’s home in Reading for the summer and became a “homemaker” for a local home healthcare company, where she supported seniors with daily tasks, such as laundry and grocery shopping. Through this experience, she saw firsthand how difficult it was to purchase groceries using EBT cards while waiting for social security checks to come in. It just wasn’t enough. When she saw an opportunity in early 2023 to use her communication skills to help improve the accessibility of basic needs such as food in Massachusetts, she leaped at the chance.

As the Copywriter & Content Manager for Project Bread, the leading statewide food security organization, Jerrett now uses her creative skills to develop campaigns and further initiatives to raise awareness for food resources available to Massachusetts residents of all ages, through Project Bread’s Hotline and other programs and partnerships. She is also helping to recruit individuals and teams to participate in Project Bread’s 56th annual Walk for Hunger.

On Sunday, May 5, Jerrett will be among over 3,500 in-person and virtual participants to walk the accessible three-mile loop around the Boston Common or in their own neighborhoods. The one-day celebration aims to raise more than $1.3 million to support the leading statewide food security organization’s approach to permanently solve hunger in Massachusetts.

“I come from a really loving and compassionate family who values community above everything, and I’ve always been taught to use my voice to do good and help others,” says Jerrett. “I am so grateful for the role I get to play in Project Bread’s mission to end the cycle of hunger for all in Massachusetts. This is my first time walking on Boston Common, and I can hardly contain the pride I’m feeling knowing that so many of my loved ones will be joining to support this year too!” Joining Jerrett on Boston Common, her father, local artist AJ Jerrett, will be creating caricatures in the Kid’s Zone, her boyfriend will be helping photograph the event, and her friends started the team Nora’s Crew to help raise funds.

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 with an accessible, 3-mile route. It will feature family-friendly activities, programming and games, as the nonprofit invites people with mobility devices, strollers, young children and other needs to all participate in the mission to end hunger in Massachusetts. 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.

“Funds raised through Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger directly support families struggling to afford food in Massachusetts. Nora is working on all sides of that, personally raising over $500 to achieve Heart & Sole status for the Walk, creating content to connect food insecure families to resources, and supporting advocacy efforts that steward our mission forward,” says Elizabeth Greenhalgh, Project Bread’s Chief Advancement Officer. “Participating in Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger is one way we can all do something real to make sure our neighbors can access and afford the food they need.”

Money raised through the Walk for Hunger is critical to Project Bread’s statewide work for systemic change through policy, prevention, and partnerships to ensure people of all ages have reliable access to healthy food. In keeping with the community spirit of the event, the Walk also provides a platform for organizations to fund the vital work they do for food security locally. In 2019, Project Bread launched a joint fundraising program, The Commonwealth, to uplift the work of like-minded organizations. In 2023, 34 nonprofits raised more than $160,000 to support their own programs.

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. 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.

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