The Walk for Hunger

A group of activists from the Paulist Center in downtown Boston, led by Patrick Hughes, established the inaugural pledge walk, marking a historic milestone as the first of its kind in the nation. Approximately 2,000 individuals embarked on a remarkable 29.6-mile journey through Quincy, raising an impressive $26,000 to support two vital hunger projects. The Walk's dual objectives, fundraising to alleviate hunger and championing social justice, laid the foundation for an enduring annual movement that persistently drives positive change to this day.

Following the triumphant launch, Patrick Hughes relocated The Walk for Hunger to Boston, where it has proudly stood as a beacon of hope for half a century. And once again, 2,000 compassionate citizens gathered to walk a slightly shorter 25-mile route, reinforcing their commitment to addressing hunger and championing social change.

As Massachusetts grappled with nearly 10% of its population living below the poverty line, The Walk for Hunger marked its 10th anniversary. Almost 3,000 participants joined forces, walking 20-miles to raise crucial funds and awarding grants to 34 emergency food programs.

The Walk achieved a significant milestone, raising an unprecedented $1 million with 11,000 participants, including then-Senator John Kerry, working to alleviate hunger for families across Massachusetts.

Nancy Kerrigan- Stoneham native and 1992 Olympic figure skating bronze medalist, rocks her Walk for Hunger sweatshirt along with her Olympic medal for the 1992 Walk for Hunger.

Despite economic prosperity, hunger persisted in Massachusetts, prompting concerned citizens to gather on the Boston Common for the 30th Walk for Hunger. The event raised an impressive $3 million, supporting over 350 emergency food programs.

On Sunday, September 22, Project Bread debuted its first Ride for Hunger, a bike ride through the beautiful trails in Cochituate State Park. Thousands of cyclists on road bikes, mountain bikes, training wheels, and tandem bikes put the pedal to the pavement to raise awareness about hunger throughout Massachusetts.

In 2013, The Walk for Hunger was the first large-scale public event in Boston since the Marathon bombing the year prior.  An estimated 30,000 resilient individuals showed up on the Common to fight hunger. Proving that we are "Boston Strong", raising more than $3 million to combat food insecurity and showcasing the strength and heart of our dedicated community.

In response to the pandemic, The Walk for Hunger pivoted to a virtual format, with 1,700 participants raising $1.3 million in critical anti-hunger relief. These funds played a pivotal role in Project Bread's rapid response to the emerging hunger crisis during the early days of COVID-19 closures and layoffs.

After three years of virtual participation, Massachusetts witnessed the triumphant return of The Walk for Hunger to Boston. The redesigned 3-mile route around the Boston Common increased accessibility and reduced planning costs, enabling individuals and families of diverse abilities and ages to participate while directing more funds toward statewide anti-hunger efforts.