2020 Annual Report
Supporting Massachusetts through the COVID-19 hunger crisis
Anchors List
Jump to Section
View the print version of this report
2020 Annual ReportA reflection from Erin McAleer, President & CEO
You should know, you created good in the world when it was desperately needed.
Inspired by our vision of achieving a Massachusetts where hunger has been permanently solved, Project Bread began our fiscal year 2020 ready to launch our new strategic plan — complete with a bold new look and energized by imminent passage of Breakfast After the Bell legislation to ensure kids who count on a healthy breakfast at school get it. We could not have predicted then how important this foundational work would be to our success in meeting the challenges brought on by the first global pandemic in our lifetime. What we did know then, as we do today, is our work would be impossible without you.
In a year marked by our individual and collective trauma, political instability, overwhelming need and yes — an unprecedented hunger crisis — your commitment and the strength of our Project Bread community brought fortitude to meet previously unimaginable challenges. You should know, you created good in the world at a time when it was desperately needed.
Our entire team worked with fierce dedication to connect people with reliable sources of food. In the early days of the state shutdown, we committed every available resource to the people we serve. We took risks like temporarily pausing our outbound fundraising and putting major initiatives on hold in the beginning of the crisis so that we could make sure free meals were available locally to kids within three days of statewide school closures and respond to every request for help from families struggling to afford food. As our phone lines were flooded with requests for support, we met the challenge as a team. Everyone -- development associates, program coordinators, communications staff and the business office team-- signed on to triage calls for our hotline counselors in those first weeks. We never had to question what putting our mission first would mean for our organization because you showed up for us when it mattered most. Your outpouring of generosity humbled and inspired us to keep going. You reminded us, when our community comes together, nothing is impossible.
Your faith in our work galvanized us as the pandemic continued and your partnership empowered us to meet whatever new challenge each day brought. You joined us in calling for the end of systemic racism, knowing as we do that we can never end hunger while it exists. Together we advocated for and won waivers to ensure families had uninterrupted access to free school meals and fought to make SNAP a priority. Your support made it possible for us to launch a new program in support of people with complex medical conditions getting critical nutrition assistance to improve health. Throughout the year, your support was unwavering.
I believe some of our greatest challenges are still ahead but as you read on through the highlights of our shared impact, I encourage you to remember, together we have proven that adversity will not shake our commitment to ending the injustice of hunger.
I am overwhelmed by my gratitude for each of you. All of us at Project Bread are looking forward with hope, trusting that you will be by our side again in a brand new year.
YOU RESPONDED TO THE OVERWHELMING NEED
In Massachusetts, during March and April alone, 690,500 jobs were lost. Schools closed and nearly 500,000 low-income kids needed an alternative to the school meals they rely on every day. Parents were wondering how they were going to afford to feed their kids. So many people needed help, and they needed it fast. To meet the scale of the immediate needs, through your support, we focused on expanding access to historically underutilized federal nutrition programs.
Food insecurity in Massachusetts doubled. You doubled down to help.
When the full impact of the pandemic reached our state, food insecurity doubled from 8.4% of households to 16.5% in September 2020. You helped your neighbors—many who were facing hunger for the first time.
You fought hunger in a pandemic
Your outpouring of support for your neighbors in need was astounding.
As nearly a quarter of the households in Massachusetts were food insecure during the peak of the economic and health impacts of COVID-19, your help meant we could get resources to people struggling to afford food, and also enabled us to advocate for policies to expand food benefits. You helped your neighbors—many who were facing hunger for the first time.
A message from our FoodSource Hotline
"I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS"
Khara Burns, Senior Director of SNAP Outreach Programs — and a 14 year veteran on our FoodSource Hotline — reflects on what it was like to answer call-after-call from our worried neighbors, struggling to afford food during the pandemic.
Impact Highlights
Due to your generosity and support, we were able to greatly increase access to food, spread awareness of resources, and advocate for those facing hunger. This massive effort to combat unprecedented levels of food insecurity truly reached people across Massachusetts, from singles to seniors to families of five.
28,300,000 free meals for kids
provided at sites supported by Project Bread
45,707 people
had a place to turn for help when they called our FoodSource Hotline for support
1,334 patients
received personalized services through the launch of our innovative partnership with MassHealth to address chronic food insecurity in medically-complex patients
“I've been unemployed for two months. It's been so hard with three children. Thank you for helping me find resources, we really need this now.”
Family in Plymouth, FoodSource Hotline
You kept kids fed, No matter what
Your generosity allowed our team to work side by side with schools and other sponsors to open meal sites when schools closed across the state. You helped to ensure that nearly 500,000 children, who rely on school meals every day, were able to continue receiving safe and reliable access to healthy food.
Your support was part of a safety net for kids facing food insecurity, weaving together year-round free school meal sites, extra benefit dollars for groceries, and a boost to awareness efforts.
$138,000
in emergency funding to schools feeding kids through closures
44 school districts
received grants to pivot operations to support to-go meals
1,664 free meal sites
were keeping kids fed across the state at the height of the crisis
Free Meals for Kids
Kids ate 28,300,000 free meals
Buoyed by your generosity, we immediately set out to make sure all students have reliable access to free healthy meals at easy-to-find alternative meal site locations across the state. Our team worked side by side with schools to pivot operations for to-go options.
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)
530,000 students received P-EBT to buy groceries while learning from home
Your support empowered our pivotal role to bring a new relief program, Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT), to Massachusetts families. We advised on the USDA-approved proposal, supported implementation, and directly assisted more than 22,000 families through our FoodSource Hotline so families had funds to feed their kids during remote learning.
Lead statewide partner
with DTA and DESE, advising on the approved plan, supporting roll-out, helping families, and advocating for benefits through 20-21 school year.
Nearly $400 this spring
received by each eligible child, supported by advocacy, P-EBT has been extended to continue aiding families through Sept 2021.
$253,000,000
in federal funding came to local Massachusetts economies (March–September)
“Wow, I did not expect P-EBT benefits. I have two sons in school and it’s been tough these past weeks trying to make sure there is enough to eat with everyone home. Thank you for helping me.”
A family in Worcester - FoodSource Hotline
You answered the call to help, again and again.
So much of tackling food insecurity is spreading awareness about resources and places to turn for help. Through our growing FoodSource Hotline, our new innovative healthcare partnership program, and widespread advertising campaign, our message reached many Massachusetts residents for the first time.
Foodsource Hotline
Personalized support in response to 45,707 requests for assistance from our neighbors across MA
You’ve been a lifeline to families in crisis when they needed it most. In 2020 we saw unprecedented traffic on our FoodSource Hotline, our longstanding phone line for those facing food insecurity. Callers receive personalized, compassionate help (in 180 languages) from our trained staff, who connect them to every food assistance program that is available and for which they are eligible.
106% increase in calls
from residents seeking food assistance over last year
7,782 non-English speakers
received nutrition assistance in their primary language through the hotline
24 staff members
More than half of our entire team jumped in to help answer and triage an unprecedented call volume when the pandemic hit MA
Public Education & Outreach
YOU SPREAD THE WORD THAT HELP IS HERE
You reached out in the midst of record unemployment to help families and individuals experiencing food insecurity for the first time. Through large-scale awareness campaigns, word about critical food programs like free meals for kids, SNAP, and our FoodSource Hotline spread across the state in seven different languages
454,000 households
received food resource information from postcard mailings in July, August, and September
382,900 people
visited our website for the first time to learn more about SNAP
Cape Verdean, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese
Connected people and communities to SNAP assistance through targeted outreach in 7 languages
Launch of Health Care Partnerships
You brought food security to patients with chronic conditions
Amidst the pandemic, when pre-existing conditions put people at greater risk of getting COVID-19, we accelerated the launch of our first-of-its-kind pilot with MassHealth. Patients with complex medical conditions received direct support from our team two months ahead of schedule to establish long-term food security, free of charge. We help with everything including signing people up for SNAP, buying cooking supplies, providing transportation to shop for food, gift cards for groceries and virtual medically tailored cooking classes. Participants are sharing how life changing this support has been for them. You made it possible.
$544,400
in grocery gift cards provided to food insecure patients
14 Health Centers
referring patients to our nutrition services coordinators for in-depth services
4 languages
our counselors were supporting patients in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese
Health Care Partnerships
1,334 patients received personalized services
Throughout our history, we have piloted and pioneered innovative programs that build connections between Project Bread and health care providers. If a doctor’s office is where you go to maintain your health, then your access to food should be front and center.
“I lost all of my income a month ago, and I have been struggling ever since. I would have applied for SNAP a long time ago if I knew it was this easy to do it over the phone with you.”
Single dad - FoodSource Hotline
YOU FUELED THE STATE-WIDE RESPONSE
Your support allowed us to increase our advocacy efforts in response to unprecedented food insecurity in our state, engaging more than 800 volunteer hunger advocates. Together we worked with legislators, conducted research, and fought for policies that support and create access to food. We had big wins that helped reach those experiencing food insecurity. Together we’ve dug our heels in on policy work—the key to long lasting change for a more equitable recovery.
COVID Policy Agenda
When the pandemic hit, we developed and advocated for pandemic-response state and federal policy agendas that focus on leveraging the scalable federal nutrition programs, like SNAP, Pandemic-EBT, and school meals.
Breakfast for 150,000 more kids
In August, we celebrated the passage of Breakfast After the Bell legislation, a success that followed a multi-year legislative effort to make breakfast part of the school day in our lowest-income schools.
Free meals for kids all year
In June, we partnered with State Senator DiDomenico and State Representative Barber to organize more than 90 state legislators to successfully advocate for the extension of USDA waivers needed to allow free meals to be served to all kids & teens throughout the pandemic. (Currently extended through September 30, 2021.)
Engaging our legislators
Informing an equitable response & recovery
Through legislative briefings, virtual town halls and Facebook lives, we partnered with legislators such as Senator Warren, Congressmen McGovern and Kennedy, Congresswoman Pressley, the Massachusetts Progressive and Food Systems Caucuses, and the Senate COVID-19 Task Force to raise awareness of the growing food insecurity crisis and how legislators can support the federal nutrition programs’ critical role in the response.
Senator Elizabeth Warren even made a virtual appearance at our annual retreat, recognizing our role at the forefront of responding to the hunger crisis and encouraging us to continue our on-the-ground work.
The Walk for Hunger
$1.3 million raised for our pandemic response
In addition to raising critical funds in the earliest days of the pandemic to enable our rapid response to the crisis, The Walk for Hunger granted nearly $100,000 to 27 organizations to fund their anti-hunger work through The Commonwealth fundraising share program.
Recovery must mean recovery for all
Emboldened by your steadfast support, we are committed to an ever-deepening understanding of racism and food insecurity in order to take concrete action toward greater equity. We recognize communities and people of color are disproportionately impacted by hunger because systemic racism leads to economic inequity and health disparities— further exacerbated by the COVID-19 hunger crisis.
When the pandemic hit, we developed and advocated for pandemic-response state and federal policy agendas that focus on leveraging the scalable federal nutrition programs, like SNAP, Pandemic-EBT, and school meals.
Equity in Recovery
Co-hosted virtual forum with The Boston Foundation entitled, The State of Hunger in Massachusetts: Before & Since the Pandemic. Featuring remarks from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley on a path forward, we featured our newest research on racial disparities in food access and suggestions for removing barriers.
Statewide Awareness Campaigns
Advocated for SNAP benefits increase in federal relief packages during the pandemic, in partnership with advocates and the entire Massachusetts delegation.
SNAP Trainings
Led trainings on best practices for SNAP outreach to 50 community partners
The State of Hunger in Massachusetts
Notably, our research showed the strength of the Latinx community in East Boston while highlighting the pre-existing inequities that make it more difficult for people of color, immigrant families, and those with fewer economic means to access food. The same groups are now being hit hardest by the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Food insecurity was an issue in our community well before COVID arrived...the pandemic has really laid bare and exacerbated these existing challenges and inequities...Children and families across our state and nation are worth fighting for.”
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, MA-7 congressional district, State of Hunger in Massachusetts Research Event
Expenses & Revenue
You, our generous funders and donors in Project Bread’s fiscal year 2020 (10.1.2019 - 9.31.2020), inspired us with your dedication and support. You powered anti-hunger work central to Massachusetts’ COVID-19 response, and supported our team’s expansion from 32 to 50 people as we scaled to meet the demand. Thank you for making our work possible during a year when it was more important than ever.
Revenue
$11.89 million
Expenses
$7.38 million
Thank You
We wouldn’t be here — leading a charge to provide true COVID-19 hunger relief to our neighbors across the state — without you. We can’t thank you enough for your generosity and commitment to helping our neighbors put food on the table for themselves and their families during this incredibly difficult year.
Corporate & Foundations
+
$500,000+
Boston Resiliency Fund
Liberty Mutual
$200,000 - $499,999
HarbourVest Partners, LLC
Share Our Strength
$100,000 - $199,999
MassCovid19 Relief Fund
The Ansin Foundation
The Eos Foundation
The Klarman Family Foundation
The Ruby W. and LaVon P. Linn Foundation
$50,000 - $99,999
Bay State Milling Company
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
Safety Insurance Company Charitable Gift Fund
The 1434 Foundation
The Albertsons Company Foundation
The Davis Family Charitable Foundation
The Yawkey Foundation
Thomas H. Lee Partners Charitable Fund
Toast
$25,000 - $49,999
Breckinridge Capital Advisors
Digital Federal Credit Union
Partners Health Care
The Baupost Group
The Hershey Family Foundation
The Merck Family Fund
Whole Foods Market
$10,000 - $24,999
Anonymous
Bain Capital
Brookline Bank
CarGurus, Inc
Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation
Fiduciary Trust Company
Global Atlantic Financial Company
High Vista Strategies
Life Science Cares
Raytheon Technologies
State Street Corporation
The Alice Willard Dorr Foundation
The Burkhaven Family Foundation
The Cabot Family Foundation
The Highland Street Foundation
The Lawrence J and Anne Rubenstein Charitable Foundation
The Linde Family Foundation
The Lovett-Woodsum Foundation
The Vertex Foundation
Tufts Health Plan Foundation
Wells Fargo Advisors
$5,000 - $9,999
Acadia Insurance Group, LLC
ACAP, Inc.- DBA Wines & More Wareham
Amazon Robotics
Elliot Church of Newton
GT Retail, Inc. - DBA Wines & More, Mansfield
Insource Services, Inc.
Massachusetts Capital Resource Co.
Massachusetts General Hospital for Children
The Bushrod Campbell & Adah Hall Charity Fund
The Rogers Family Foundation
W.R. Berkley Charitable Foundation
Webster Bank
$1,000 - $4,999
Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest
Dedham Savings Bank
The Consolidated Lodge AF & AM Anderson Philanthropic Fund
Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston
Hemenway and Barnes
Invest Partners, LLC. - DBA Wines & More, Walpole
iSlide, Inc
Kevin York Communications LLC
Liberty Mutual Reinsurance Employees
Neighborhood for Affordable Housing
Nordson Corporation
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
Peoples Super Store Liquors,Inc.- DBA Douglas Wine & Spirits
RSM Boston Foundation
Teradyne, Inc.
The Paper Store, LLC
Wegmans Food Markets
In-Kind
98.5 The Sports Hub
105.7 WROR
Country 102.5
HOT96.9
ROCK 92.9
WHDH
Individuals
+
100,000+
Amos and Barbara Hostetter
The Mooney-Reed Charitable Foundation
Jason and Shannon Robins
Wendy B. Fain Fund
$50,000 - $99,999
Cecile Higginson Murphy Charitable Foundation
Rachel and Brent Dibner
The George T. Lewis, Jr. 2001 Foundation
The Paula’s Gift Fund
Steinberg Charitable Fund
$10,000 - $49,999
The Ali Family
Mr. Derrick Ang
Mr. Lalor and Mrs. Patricia N. Burdick
Ms. Susan O. Bush
Mr. Vince Camacho
Ms. Anne S. Covert
Ms. Victoria B. Croll and Mr. David D. Croll
Evans Moser Family Charitable Fund
Dr. Oliver D. Hart and Dr. Rita Goldberg
Mr. Lawrence D. and Ms. Beth C. Greenberg
Dr. Lora Sabin and Mr. Jonathan Hecht
John C. and Eunice B. Morrison Charitable Foundation
Joseph and Mary Lynn Antonellis Giving Fund
Judith and Stanley Hoffberger Family Foundation
KBK Foundation
Kell J.C. Kellogg Foundation
Manzione Charitable Fund
Mr. Douglas and Mrs. MaryAnn Marmon
Mr. Chris McGrath
Ms. Mary J. Meelia
Jeffrey G. Naylor and Shawn E. Baker Charitable Fund
Mr. Roger G. Reiser and Mrs. Hannelore Reiser
Dr. Eric B. Rimm and Mrs. Allison C. Rimm
Rita M. Bleakney Trust
Dr. David A. Roth and Dr. Marie B. Demay
Ms. Michele J. Ryan
Dr. Stephen D. and Mrs. Margaret Senturia
Mr. Andrew Sigel
Prof. Malcolm K. and Mrs. Penelope J. Sparrow
The L. Knife and Son Charitable Gift Fund
The Maria Carmella Benjamin Fund
The Players Legacy Fund by Bruins Players
The Richard and Natalie Jacoff Foundation Inc.
Theodore W. & Evelyn G. Berenson Charitable Foundation
Mr. Edward and Mrs. Barbara Wilson
Board of Directors
+
Executive Committee
Peter Levangie
Chairman
President & CEO, Bay State Milling Company
Irene Li
Vice Chair & Board DEI Liaison
Founder & Owner, Mei Mei Street Kitchen & Restaurant
Kathryn Audette
Clerk
Director of State Government Relations, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Adjunct Faculty, Graduate School of Social Work, Boston University
Members
Anthony Ackil
Founder & CEO, Streetlight Ventures
Mari Barrera
Committee Chair, Development
Charitable Foundations Manager, Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP
Alethea Harney
Head of Communications, Office of the Treasurer & Receiver General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hannah Grove
Former Chief Marketing Officer, State Street Bank
Jean McMurray
Executive Director, Worcester County Food Bank
Nikko Mendoza
Committee Chair, Policy
State Director, Senator Elizabeth Warren, United States Senate
Stacie O’Brien
Senior Manager of Private Investment Operations, Baupost Group
Winton Picoff
Committee Chair, Programs
Director, MA Food System Collaborative
Dr. Eric Rimm
Committee Chair, Nominating
Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Ray Xi
Committee Chair, Finance
Vice President, Double Impact, Bain Capital
Laura Schneider
Attorney, Partner, WilmerHale
Looking Forward
As we look toward a more hopeful and healthy 2021, our work to break the generational cycle of hunger is far from over. Join us in continuing the momentum of COVID-19 hunger relief measures and our ongoing work everyday —to help us achieve change that solves hunger for good.
Download Full Report