On May 4, Food For Free will step up for Project Bread’s 57th Walk for Hunger. For the 7th consecutive year, the Somerville-based nonprofit will raise money to support statewide food security through the Commonwealth Program. The Commonwealth gives organizations addressing food insecurity 60% of all funds they raise to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40% applied to Project Bread’s statewide food security efforts.

The Walk for Hunger, Project Bread’s flagship community fundraiser, brings together a diverse community dedicated to ensuring food security across the state. The celebration is set for Sunday, May 4 at 9 a.m. and will feature family-friendly activities, food and entertainment. This year’s Walk will remain an accessible route on the fully paved sidewalks, allowing people with mobility devices, young children, and other needs to participate. ASL interpreters and multilingual staff will be present throughout the event. 

“It is becoming more and more difficult for people to afford enough to eat,” says Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread. “One in 5 families with kids are worried about where their next meal will come from. The Walk for Hunger is our opportunity to make an immediate difference in the lives of thousands of our neighbors. Organizations like Food For Free are what make The Walk for Hunger such a powerful event. Together, as a community, we’re making sure people can access food with dignity and choice each day.” 

Food For Free acquires rescued, donated, and purchased food from a number of sources to meet the increased demand to ensure everyone in the community—regardless of age, income, or background—has consistent access to nutrition. As one of the nation’s first food rescue organizations, the leading food rescue and distribution nonprofit in Eastern Massachusetts now serves over 132,000 Massachusetts residents and distributes 6.2 million pounds of fresh and prepared foods annually. With the end of the USDA’s Local Food Purchasing Assistance limiting fresh produce access, funds from this year’s Walk for Hunger will help expand offerings at summer School Markets. The team aims to raise $8,000, rallying volunteers, community partners, and supporters to strengthen the movement for food equity.

“The Walk for Hunger is an opportunity to unite with others who share our commitment to ending food insecurity,” says Alex Gladwell, Associate Director of Programs and Partnerships at Food For Free. “By walking, we not only raise funds but also awareness of the challenges many in our community face in accessing fresh, healthy food. Together, we can create meaningful, lasting change.”

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 2024, 39 nonprofits raised more than $228,000 to support their own programs for statewide food security.

Donate directly to Food For Free’s Commonwealth fundraiser at https://give.projectbread.org/team/644226. 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.

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.

Food For Free acquires rescued, donated, and purchased food from a number of sources to meet the increased demand to ensure everyone in the community—regardless of age, income, or background—has consistent access to nutrition. As one of the nation’s first food rescue organizations, Food For Free now serves more than 132,000 Massachusetts residents facing food insecurity and distributes 6.2 million pounds of nutritious fresh and prepared foods annually. For more information, visit: www.foodforfree.org.