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The History of The Walk for Hunger
For 40 years, Project Bread's Walk for Hunger has provided critical resources for hungry children and families in Massachusetts. Today, The Walk for Hunger is the oldest continual pledge walk in the country and the largest annual one-day fundraiser to alleviate local hunger. On the first Sunday in May, caring people from every background, united in the spirit of helping others, come together to take part in the wonderful Massachusetts tradition to help feed hungry families in their community. Here's a look back at four decades of concerned citizens feeding people and nourishing hope.
June 1969
A group of activists from the Paulist Center, led by Patrick Hughes, establishes The Walk for Hunger in the Boston area. Approximately 2,000 people set out on a 29.6-mile trek through Quincy on Sunday, June 8, 1969. Participants raise $26,000 to fund two hunger projects.
May 1970
The first Walk for Hunger in Boston. Two thousand concerned citizens participate in the 25-mile route.
May 1973
The Walk for Hunger route is reduced from 25 miles to 20 miles. Approximately 1,000 people complete the new route that takes them from Government Center through the South End, South Boston, Beacon Hill, and Allston, and finishes at the Boston Common.
May 1979
With nearly 10 percent of Massachusetts’ citizens living below the poverty line, hunger persists in the Commonwealth. Nearly 3,000 citizens participate in the tenth anniversary of The Walk for Hunger and help raise much needed funds for 34 emergency food programs.
May 1985
The first million dollar Walk for Hunger. Eleven thousand walkers raise more than $1,000,000 to help feed hungry families in Massachusetts.
May 1999
Despite a strong economy, hunger continues to rise in Massachusetts. Concerned citizens in the Bay State participate and raise $3 million to support more than 350 emergency food programs.
May 2008
The 40th Walk for Hunger sets new records when an estimated 40,000 Walkers, 2,000 Volunteers, 50,000 Donors, and more than 35 Corporate Sponsors raise over $4 million to help feed hungry people in Massachusetts.
May 2009
Today, 522,000 people are struggling to put food on the table. High food prices, combined with the current economic crisis have caused food insecurity and hunger to increase dramatically. In low-income communities throughout the state, one child in three is hungry or at risk of being hungry. But you can make a difference. Join 40,000 friends and neighbors for Project Bread’s 2009 Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 3!
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