Why Corporate Giving Matters: Businesses Partner with Project Bread to Fight Hunger

Corporate giving is one of the driving forces behind the programs that make our work possible. At Project Bread, we rely on the generosity and leadership of corporate partners who believe that every person deserves reliable access to nutritious food. These partnerships sustain our programs, amplify our voice, and help us build a Massachusetts where no one has to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

Rachael Belisle-Toler, a parent who visited the Ipswich site last year, said Summer Eats took preparing her son’s weekend meals off her plate. “My son was delighted at the diverse and fun treats in his lunch and it was so nice to not have to worry about preparing his lunch over the weekend, because he got a delicious and healthy one for both Saturday and Sunday!” Thanks to our corporate partner Hannaford, who supported Summer Eats specifically, we fed kids all summer long and will be able to continue doing so.

Corporate giving strengthens nonprofits, but it also energizes the companies that take part. Employees feel proud of their workplaces. Customers see their values reflected in the brands they support. Communities benefit in ways that last far beyond a single event or sponsorship. When businesses choose to stand with us, they help us lead the movement to end hunger in our state.

As food insecurity continues to affect families in every corner of Massachusetts, corporate partners are stepping up in powerful and creative ways. In this blog post, we’ll go over why corporate giving matters, how companies choose causes that align with their values, and how several of our partners are making a real difference right now.

Corporate giving helps nonprofits expand their reach and deepen their impact. At Project Bread, these partnerships fuel the programs that connect families to food assistance, support schools in offering nutritious meals, and drive advocacy that strengthens long-term solutions.

Reliable and meaningful funding

Corporate support provides stability, allowing nonprofits to plan with confidence. Whether it is funding a new initiative, expanding a successful program, or responding quickly to community needs, corporate contributions help nonprofits build solutions that last.

Greater awareness of the mission

When companies speak publicly about hunger relief, they introduce new audiences to our work. This expanded awareness invites more people to join the movement, whether through volunteering, advocacy, donations, or fundraising.

Volunteer power and employee engagement

Many companies encourage their teams to participate in volunteer events or the Walk for Hunger. These experiences create personal connections to the mission, build team spirit, and amplify our capacity to serve the community.

Our 58th Walk for Hunger is coming up on May 3, 2026. We’d love for you to join us!

Specialized skills and collaboration

In addition to financial support, companies often share expertise that strengthens our operations. Contributions such as data tools, creative services, or logistical knowledge help us reach more people more efficiently. We are all about partnerships that strengthen and empower each other.
 

Giving is good for communities, but it also creates lasting benefits for the companies involved. More than ever, customers and employees expect businesses to take action on issues that affect their neighbors.

A stronger and more trusted brand

Companies that invest in hunger relief demonstrate a real commitment to community well-being. This builds trust with consumers who increasingly make decisions based on shared values.

A workplace culture that employees feel proud of

Team members want to work for organizations that care about people. When employees see their company contributing to a meaningful cause, it builds loyalty and reinforces a sense of purpose.

Deeper connections in the community

Supporting nonprofits helps companies build strong, authentic relationships with community members, partners, and local leaders. These connections become part of the company’s identity and its impact.

Visible social impact

Corporate giving aligns naturally with ESG goals and offers measurable outcomes. Hunger relief efforts provide clear indicators such as families supported, meals provided, and policies advanced. These results help companies see the tangible difference they are making.
 

There is no single way for companies to support Project Bread. Many partners combine different types of giving to create the level of impact that feels right for their organization.

Corporate sponsorships

Sponsorships provide essential event and program support while offering companies meaningful opportunities for visibility and community engagement. Sponsorship of the Walk for Hunger is one of the most popular and impactful ways to partner with us.

Reach out to Arielle Dubowe, Manager of Corporate Engagement at Project Bread, at arielle_dubowe@projectbread.org.

Direct contributions

Some companies choose to make one-time gifts. Others commit to ongoing support in the form of grants that help sustain our work year after year.

Employee giving and matching programs

Workplace giving campaigns and matching donations can double or triple the impact of each gift. These programs also create opportunities for employees to participate personally in hunger relief.

For example, Daniela Rivera, a product solution manager at BJ's Wholesale Club and a Walk for Hunger participant, advocated to support Project Bread through the company’s Give 40 for 40 campaign where the company awarded grants to 70 community organizations its team members nominated.

“Project Bread is one of the few organizations that is based in Massachusetts that you can actually see the impact of all the stuff that they do,” she said. “One of the other things that I love about BJ's too, a lot of the food that for X, Y reason doesn’t get bought and it's still in good condition, it's always being donated for other charities around wherever the club is. It's not only my personal view. Knowing that my company too supports that kind of thing.”

In-kind contributions

Companies can support Project Bread by providing services, products, or professional skills that help us operate effectively and efficiently. The Walk for Hunger is a great opportunity for in-kind contributions, where food, products, and support help create an excellent experience for walkers.

Fundraising events

Galas, workplace competitions, and community gatherings create memorable experiences that inspire generosity while raising critical funds.

Modern Luxury hosted their To Live & Dine 2025 Gala at the Boston Design Center. The funds raised helped combat hunger by connecting families with food assistance, increasing school meal participation, and advocating for legislation to address food insecurity.

"To Live & Dine 2025 was an incredible opportunity to lift up our work in the Boston community, especially during times of uncertainty," says Shannon O’Brien Healey, Director of Institutional Giving at Project Bread. "These funds will help us continue our mission to ensure people of all ages have reliable access to healthy food across Massachusetts. We are grateful for Modern Luxury’s partnership."
 

Many companies want to give back but are unsure where to begin. The strongest corporate partnerships often grow from thoughtful conversations about values and community needs.

Consider the company's mission and values

When a cause aligns with a company's values, authentic, long-lasting partnerships often follow. Businesses that care about health, education, or community equity naturally connect with hunger relief.

Listen to employees

Employees are often the heart of a company’s giving culture. Causes that resonate with the team build enthusiasm and participation.

Look at local needs

Hunger affects individuals and families in every part of Massachusetts. Supporting food access efforts enables companies to make a direct, meaningful difference in their communities.

Seek measurable impact

Companies appreciate partnerships that provide transparency and clear outcomes. Project Bread offers concrete results and stories that demonstrate progress toward ending hunger.

Project Bread is honored to collaborate with companies that believe in a Massachusetts where every person has enough to eat. Each partner brings unique strengths, and together they help power real change across the state.
 

When companies choose to support food security, they contribute to a healthier, more equitable future for everyone in Massachusetts. Hunger is solvable, but progress requires shared commitment and collaboration across sectors.

Every company has something meaningful to contribute. Whether through sponsorship, donations, employee engagement, or in-kind support, businesses help make our work possible. Project Bread welcomes partners who want to join us in creating lasting, systemic solutions that help families thrive.