Walpole Community Food Pantry Takes Steps to Fight Hunger at Project Bread’s 58th Walk for Hunger

WALPOLE, Mass. – On May 3, Walpole Community Food Pantry will step up for Project Bread’s 58th Walk for Hunger. For the first time, the Walpole-based nonprofit will raise funds to support statewide food security through Project Bread’s Commonwealth Program. Participating organizations receive 60% of the funds they raise to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40% contributing to Project Bread’s broader statewide efforts to ensure access to nutritious food for all children and families.

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Now in its 58th year, The Walk for Hunger, Project Bread’s flagship community fundraiser, brings together a diverse community dedicated to ending hunger across Massachusetts. The event kicks off Sunday, May 3 at 9 a.m. on the Boston Common with food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The 3-mile route is fully accessible, accommodating walkers with mobility devices, young children, and others with special needs. ASL interpreters and multilingual staff will also be on hand to ensure everyone can participate.

“Every annual Walk, every dollar raised moves us closer to a Massachusetts where no family has to wonder where they will get their next meal,” says Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread. “Coming together as an anti-hunger community is at the heart of this effort. Walpole Community Food Pantry’s commitment to ending food insecurity, along with the dedication of walkers and supporters, makes Massachusetts healthier and stronger for all of us.”

Walpole Community Food Pantry has served the Walpole community since 1993, providing free food and essential household items to residents facing food insecurity while collaborating with neighboring towns to expand access to support. Through its direct service model, the Pantry ensures anyone in need can receive assistance, responding to increased demand as grocery costs remain high. This year marks the organization’s first partnership with Project Bread and its debut in the Walk for Hunger, where dozens of team members will participate locally at the Walpole Town Forest in Walpole and in-person on Boston Common, with a fundraising goal of $5,000. Funds raised will support the purchase of non-donated essentials, like paper goods, and help maintain food storage systems and distribution vehicles, while community-driven initiatives, like the “Vacation Challenge” and “Walk Your Own Way Walpole” campaign aim to broaden engagement and awareness.

“The Walk for Hunger is an opportunity for us to expand our reach and raise awareness about food insecurity in our community,” says Robin Lamperti, team captain and volunteer. “Partnering with Project Bread strengthens our shared commitment to ensuring everyone has access to the food they need.”

Beginning in 1969 as the first pledge walk in the nation, money raised from The Walk for Hunger is critical to fund systemic change for hunger relief. Project Bread launched the joint-fundraising Commonwealth Program in 2019. In 2025, 51 nonprofits raised more than $200,000 to support their own programs for statewide food security.

Donate directly to Walpole Community Food Pantry’s Commonwealth fundraiser at https://give.projectbread.org/team/806662. To register as a participant for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, or to support a walker or team with a donation, visit give.projectbread.org/walk. All individual walkers are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of $25 and teams $250. Participants who raise $500 or more are recognized as Heart & Sole walkers and receive access to personalized fundraising support, exclusive event gear, free breakfast on Walk Day, and invitations to exclusive 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 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 Walpole Community Food Pantry

Walpole Community Food Pantry is a nonprofit organization founded in the spring of 1993. We serve neighbors in Walpole and surrounding communities with a shared mission to reduce food insecurity. Through partnerships with local organizations, we extend our reach and deepen our impact.

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