sarah@teakmedia.com
YMCA of Greater Boston Steps Up for Project Bread’s 56th Annual Walk for Hunger
Boston-Based Nonprofit to Raise Money for Local Food Security Programs
BOSTON, MASS. – On May 5, the YMCA of Greater Boston will be among over 3,500 participants to lace up for Project Bread’s 56th annual Walk for Hunger. For the 2nd consecutive year, the Boston-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 effort. Last year, Project Bread awarded $462 to the YMCA of Greater Boston.
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.
“We have made incredible strides against hunger, from the passage of permanent free school meals in Massachusetts to increasing access to SNAP for immigrants facing food insecurity,” says Erin McAleer, Project Bread’s CEO. “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. The work the YMCA of Greater Boston does reflects what the Walk is all about – continuing to step up each year to make sure our neighbors in need can access and afford food. The YMCA of Greater Boston Walk team understands how we need to work together for statewide food security because our community is what makes us stronger.”
The YMCA of Greater Boston is dedicated to improving the health of mind, body, and spirit of individuals and families in our communities and provides welcoming, belonging and opportunity for all. The nonprofit’s Hunger Prevention Programs play a vital role in fighting food insecurity in each of the 13 communities it serves. Every day, the YMCA of Greater Boston partners with other community organizations, such as Project Bread through the Summer Eats program, to provide nutritious and culturally relevant meals for children and families. In addition to serving as a sponsor meal site for the Summer Food Service Program, the organization offers a Grocery Bag Distribution Program, Mobile Market Food Truck, and SNAP Education Program with a focus on SNAP-eligible, low-income households, and historically marginalized groups.
“Supporting Project Bread’s mission is important to us because we are both working toward a common goal – to address not only hunger, but food access and food insecurity challenges that people face,” says Eilisha Manandhar, the YMCA of Greater Boston’s Senior Director of Hunger Prevention. “Participating in the Walk for Hunger not only raises awareness of hunger in our communities, but also highlights our interconnected work to eliminate hunger through direct service, policy, and prevention. It was inspiring to see so many people of all different ages come out for the event last year. We look forward to seeing them again along the route!”
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. Project Bread launched the joint-fundraising Commonwealth Program in 2019. In 2023, 34 nonprofits raised more than $160,000 to support their own programs for statewide food security.
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 YMCA of Greater Boston’s Commonwealth team at give.projectbread.org/team/570666. 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.
ABOUT THE YMCA OF GREATER BOSTON
The YMCA of Greater Boston is one of Massachusetts’ leading nonprofits committed to strengthening communities by improving health, empowering youth, and activating people for good. Every day the Y works with thousands of people to ensure that everyone has access to Y programs and services. As the nation’s fifth largest charity, the Y is creating a community of caring people through meaningful memberships. For more than 170 years, the Y has been developing skills and emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse populations, preventing chronic disease, and building healthier communities. The YMCA of Greater Boston is America’s first Y founded in 1851. For more information visit ymcaboston.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
