Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Executive Director Andrew Morehouse says “every little bit helps” when it comes to feeding hungry people throughout the Pioneer Valley.
Morehouse said that’s why the food bank is so appreciative of the money it receives each year from Project Bread and its Walk for Hunger. He said in past years the food bank received up to $20,000, and while it hasn’t been quite as much the past couple of years, the donation has still been a big help.
“We really value our partnership,” he said.
On May 5, some Franklin County residents will be among about 10,000 people who walk along the historic Boston Common and Charles River in Project Bread’s 51st Walk for Hunger to raise $2 million to support community-based anti-hunger efforts across the state. The nonprofit’s Walk for Hunger is believed to be the oldest pledge walk in the country.
“You can’t tell a person is hungry by looking at them,” said Erin McAleer, president of Project Bread. “I personally was food insecure when I was 5, after my parents divorced. I felt my mom’s constant stress trying to figure out to earn enough to put healthy food on the table and pay the mortgage. I know firsthand the larger implications hunger can have on a family.
“Food is a basic human need, and yet the social climate in our country right now is quick to place blame, point fingers and pass judgments about why a person is struggling to afford food for themselves and their families,” she said. “We want to increase understanding about who is hungry in our community and why. With understanding comes compassion — with compassion comes action.”
The North Quabbin region received $84,000 from Project Bread last year. The money was used for community grant programs throughout the region: the Chefs in Schools program in Greenfield, which provides low-income children with healthy breakfasts; the Summer Eats programs in Athol and Greenfield, which provides food for children during school vacation; Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline, available to all Massachusetts residents; and the school breakfast program at Athol Middle School.
Athol-Royalston School Districts, Community Action Pioneer Valley, Just Roots community farm in Greenfield, the Salvation Army, Franklin County Meals and Seed of Solidarity Education Center all received grants.
Project Bread said one of the major reasons for hunger in the North Quabbin region is that rental options are limited there, so many businesses have left the area, making access to steady employment and affordable housing a challenge for its residents and, therefore, leaving many people, including children, hungry.
The nonprofit said the walk brings together community partners, business leaders, walkers, volunteers, public officials, media and residents of all backgrounds. Money raised by the walk is used for Project Bread’s year-round work to connect the one in 10 individuals impacted by hunger across the state with reliable access to food through soup kitchens, food pantries, food rescue organizations, schools and more.
Last year, 38 local walkers participated and raised more than $3,400 combined. Project Bread provided more than $1 million to 315 community programs that address hunger, including in the North Quabbin area, in 2018.
According to the nonprofit’s tax filings in 2016 — the most recent available — community programs receive about 75 percent of what is raised, while other expenses and administrative costs make up the other 25 percent.
Participants will be able to choose from three routes — all kid-friendly — starting and ending on the Boston Common, where there is a celebration with food and live music throughout the day. There is a 20-mile route with eight shuttle checkpoints starting at 8 a.m.; a 3-mile loop (new this year) starting at 8 a.m.; and a 5K run through Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood starting at 7:30 a.m.
In an effort to keep the event inclusive and accessible for all, there is no fundraising minimum required to participate, though Project Bread suggests participants set a minimum goal of $250. Participants who raise $500 or more are recognized and receive access to personalized fundraising support, exclusive event gear and invitations to events.
To register in Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger or to support a walker or team, call 617-723-5000 or visit: bit.ly/2UeZQtx
The FoodSource Hotline is at 800-645-8333. The hotline connects residents to food resources, including SNAP. Counselors assist callers in more than 180 languages.