Project Bread Logo

The Walk for Hunger

Learn how you can support the largest community fundraiser to alleviate hunger in Massachusetts and raise the issue of hunger in our state.

Scroll Down Arrows
2019 Walk for Hunger, large crowd at starting line

The Walk for Hunger | EST 1969

An extraordinary event sustained by ordinary people.

Over five decades, the Walk has generated more than a hundred million dollars -  through individual contributions of less than $100 - to fund solutions to hunger in Massachusetts.

Registration for the 54th Walk for Hunger will open February 2022

Save the date - Sunday May 1, 2022 for The Walk for Hunger.

Magenta Stars Yellow Stars

Your Impact

A Community Response for COVID-19 Hunger Crisis Relief

Events for the 53rd Walk for Hunger were held virtually on May 2, 2021, and dedicated supporters got active in their neighborhoods and communities, raising more than $1.1 million to get COVID-19 food relief to kids and families across the state.

Read More
Children in Walk for Hunger t-shirts hold hands as they walk in front of adults. Starts Line
The Commonwealth fundraising share program Starts Line

Funding Opportunity for Anti-Hunger Partners

The Commonwealth

Through The Walk for Hunger's program called The Commonwealth, your organization can form a fundraising team and keep 60% of the funds for your own work.

Anti-hunger partners across Massachusetts have already started joining the Commonwealth and forming teams to take advantage of this great funding opportunity for their work.

Learn More

Why Walk?

For a generation, The Walk for Hunger has been the achievement not of individuals or particular groups, but of an entire community.

Get updates

“Having enough food is a basic human right, and Project Bread's Walk for Hunger is one of the most important causes that I support.”

Heart & Sole Fundraiser and 29-year Walker, 2019 Walk for Hunger

Your Legacy

Over five decades of impact

In 1969, Patrick Hughes had an idea; The Walk for Hunger. He put his revolutionary idea into action, to catalyze five decades of social justice, grassroots activism, and anti-hunger impact in Massachusetts. 

Innovation

1969

The 1st Pledge Walk in the Country

A group of activists from the Paulist Center in downtown Boston, led by Patrick Hughes, established the very first pledge walk in the country. An estimated 2,000 people walked an astounding 29.6 mile trek through Quincy, raising $26,000 to help fund two hunger projects. The Walk had two purposes: raise funds to help people experiencing hunger and stand together for social justice and social change that would eventually eliminate hunger. This is still true today and continues to be an annual force for change. 

Old faded photo of a large group of people facing the camera at the first Walk for Hunger in Boston Starts Line

Building on Success

1970

The Walk moves to Boston

After the success of the first Walk for Hunger, Patrick moves the event to Boston, where it has stayed for five decades. 2,000 concerned citizens once again come together and walk 25 miles, a slightly shorter route.

The Walk for Hunger 1970 at Governement Center Starts Line

Hitting stride

1973

Reducing the route

The Walk for Hunger route is reduced from 25 miles to 20 miles—the same distance it is today. About 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.

Walk Party Starts Line

The 1st decade

1979

Celebrating 10 Years of Impact

With nearly 10% of people in Massachusetts living below the poverty line, hunger persists in the Commonwealth. Nearly 3,000 people participate in the 10th Anniversary of The Walk for Hunger and help raise much needed funds, grants were awarded to 34 emergency food programs.

The 1979 Walk for Hunger Starts Line

Fundraising Milestone

1985

The 1st Million-Dollar Walk

The first time The Walk for Hunger raised $1 million! 11,000 people participated to help feed hungry families in Massachusetts, including, then Senator, John Kerry. 

1985 john kerry supports The Walk for Hunger Starts Line

Going Strong

1999

The Walk for Hunger’s 30th anniversary

Despite a strong economy, hunger was continuing to rise in Massachusetts. Concerned citizens in the Bay State filled Boston Common to participate, raising $3 million to support more than 350 emergency food programs.

The Walk for Hunger 1992 Starts Line

COVID-19 Crisis Response

2020

The Walk goes virtual to respond to the pandemic hunger crisis

The Walk was less than a month away when the state shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic reaching Massachusetts. For the first time ever, The Walk for Hunger occurred virtually. Despite not being together, 1,700 participants raised $1.3 million, funds that were instrumental in enabling Project Bread to rapidly respond to the COVID-19 hunger crisis in the early days of closures and layoffs.  

two walkers with masks smile for a selfie as they walk their own route for the 2020 Walk for Hunger that went virtual for the first time Starts Line
Previous
    Next

    Start a Holiday Fundraiser

    You can help families facing hunger this holiday season by starting a personal fundraiser — or fundraising team — for Project Bread!

    Learn More