On May 5, Kathleen Chiong, of Charlestown, will step up for Project Bread’s 56th annual Walk for Hunger. She will be among over 3,500 participants, both in-person and virtual, to walk the 3-mile loop around the Boston Common or in their own neighborhoods. The one-day celebration will raise more than $1.3 million to support the leading statewide food security organization’s approach to permanently solve hunger in Massachusetts.
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, and will feature family-friendly activities, programming and games. 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 the Walk for Hunger directly contributed to Project Bread’s work to successfully lead the Feed Kids Coalition in advocating for the passage of permanent Universal School Meals in Massachusetts last year,” says Erin McAleer, Project Bread’s CEO. “Our Walkers make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Massachusetts residents, but hunger is still a pervasive problem in our state with 1 in 6 households and 1 in 5 households with children currently facing food insecurity. 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.”
Kathleen Chiong with lace up for Project Bread’s 56th annual Walk for Hunger with her team Campassion, which is made up of campers grades 2-4 from her service-based summer camp and their families. The Boston Public School third grade teacher teaches her students and campers about food insecurity and the nonprofits and people who are working to feed those in need. Chiong’s camp helps local food insecurity by hosting a donation drive for “Harvest on the Vine” in front of Whole Foods in Charlestown and donating items to Charlestown’s Public Fridge through NewHealth. She is also on the Board of Hope & Comfort, an organization helping with hygiene insecurity, and Birthday Wishes, helping homeless children celebrate their birthdays with a party and presents. She and her campers hope to raise $5,000 and are walking to bring awareness to food insecurity while bonding together in service.
“Last year’s Walk for Hunger was honestly one of the happiest days I’ve experienced,” says Chiong. “It’s nothing short of magical seeing my kids excited to engage with the community of Boston. The Walk for Hunger gives them the rare opportunity to make a difference alongside adults. I believe in not just doing service but learning the ‘why’ makes any project so much more meaningful. It’s empowering to know that my kids don’t need to feel helpless, and they, too, can make a difference.”
Money raised through the Walk for Hunger is critical to Project Bread’s statewide work for systemic change through the levers of 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.
“This year’s event will again be an accessible, 3-mile route, inviting people with mobility devices, strollers, young children and other needs to all participate with us in ending hunger in Massachusetts,” says McAleer. “We cannot wait to welcome the Massachusetts community – both new and returning – together on the Common while continuing to engage those across the country making strides in the fight against hunger locally.”
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. Donate directly to Chiong’s fundraiser at https://give.projectbread.org/team/565532. 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.
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.