Hunger: No one should face it alone

Register for The Walk for Hunger, May 3

The demand for emergency food has never been greater. Pantries and meal programs supported by Project Bread, Massachusetts’ leading antihunger organization, have never been more crucial. And The Walk for Hunger, Project Bread’s annual fundraiser, has never been timelier. On May 3, thousands of people will come to Boston for the 20-mile pledge walk to raise money during the 41st Walk for Hunger. Every dollar, every mile, and every volunteer hour counts for our neighbors in need. Registration is now open to participate.

Project Bread estimates there are 522,000 hungry people in Massachusetts. Hunger exists in nearly every community throughout Massachusetts and affects the state’s most vulnerable citizens — children, the elderly, the disabled, the unemployed, and, increasingly, those who have jobs but just can’t make ends meet.

With the help of 40,000 Walkers and 2,000 Volunteers, Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger funds over 400 emergency food programs in 128 Massachusetts cities and towns. Last year, these funded agencies served 43.4 million meals to those in need. In the City of Boston, Project Bread funds 92 emergency food programs like the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay, the Women’s Lunch Place, and Rosie’s Place.

“These are tough times, and all of us know it,” says Ellen Parker, executive director of Project Bread. “Now more than ever before, we need to acknowledge that this economic crisis affects all kinds of people, and we need to stick together in order to get through it. The funds raised from The Walk for Hunger go directly to purchase emergency food for hungry people. And the Walk for Hunger, 40,000 Walkers strong, sends out the message that we are all in this together.”

Please consider becoming a walker, a volunteer, or making a donation. Project Bread’s goal is to get everyone on board. No contribution is too small. Teams, as well as individuals, are welcome and encouraged. Mayor Thomas M. Menino, 7NEWS, KISS, and JAM’N will be at the start line to greet you. To register, visit www.projectbread.org/walk or contact Project Bread at 617-723-5000.

About Project Bread
As the state’s leading antihunger organization, Project Bread is dedicated to alleviating, preventing, and ultimately ending hunger in Massachusetts. Through The Walk for Hunger, the oldest continual pledge walk in the country, Project Bread provides millions of dollars each year in privately donated funds to over 400 emergency food programs in 128 communities statewide. Project Bread also advocates systemic solutions that prevent hunger in children and that provide food to families in natural, everyday settings. With the support of the Governor and State Legislature, the organization has invested millions in grants to community organizations that feed children where they live, learn, and play. For more information, visit www.projectbread.org