The Walk for Hunger

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Going Strong

1999