BCAT News

On May 1st Burlington’s own non-profit People Helping People will be among thousands of virtual participants to lace up for Project Bread’s 54th annual Walk for Hunger. For the first time People Helping People will participate in the event through The Commonwealth Program which gives 60 percent of all funds raised by teams from like minded organizations and agencies back to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40 percent applied to the statewide anti-hunger effort.  

The Walk for Hunger is the nation’s oldest continual pledge walk, taking place the first Sunday of May on the Boston Common. The 2022 fundraiser will be the third event to be done virtually and is expected to raise more than $1 million to support Project Bread’s work to increase food access for people of all ages in Massachusetts. 

Walk funds also support community organizations, like People Helping People, that are helping residents to access food now and grants to ensure communities have the resources necessary to sustain and grow local anti-hunger programs. 

People Helping People works to establish and sustain a community-wide effort to assist Burlington residents of all ages who have a need for food, medicine, heat or utilities and to provide for holiday food baskets and gifts for children. This will be the first time People Helping People will participate in Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger. The organization’s team of up to 20 staff members, volunteers, family members and clients will walk five miles around the track at Burlington High School on Walk day with the goal of raising $5,000. Funds raised will support the relocation and expansion of the Burlington Community Food Pantry. Burlington Food Pantry Manager Julie Lewis spoke to Burlington’s food insecurity. 

“It is critical to ensure that people, especially children, have reliable access to healthy food every day; it’s a basic need in life,” Lewis continued. “The work we do at People Helping People is only made possible by the 75 volunteers who show up throughout the week every week of the year. Their efforts are not unlike the thousands of Massachusetts residents who come together on Walk day. Both groups show the power of uniting for a social cause to create meaningful change in this world. We are excited for our first Walk!”

To register your team fundraising page for The Walk for Hunger or to make a donation by visiting projectbread.org/walk or call (617) 723-5000. There is no registration fee or fundraising minimum to participate. 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 can call Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline 1-800-645-8333, which provides confidential assistance to connect with food resources.