Neighbors In Need Steps Up for Project Bread’s 56th Annual Walk for Hunger Lawrence-Based Nonprofit to Raise Money for Local Food Security Programs
LAWRENCE, MA – On June 9th, Neighbors In Need hosted a Walk for Hunger on the Spicket River Greenway as part of Project Bread’s 56th annual Walk for Hunger. For the 2nd year, the Lawrence-based nonprofit will raise money to support statewide food security through the Commonwealth Program. The Commonwealth gives organizations addressing food insecurity 60% of all funds they raise to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40% applied to Project Bread’s statewide food security effort. To date, Project Bread has awarded over $1,100 to Neighbors In Need through the program. In addition to funding from the Commonwealth Program, Project Bread has awarded nearly $200,000 in grants to Neighbors In Need since 2007.
Beginning in 1969, as the first pledge walk in the nation, Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger brings together a diverse community dedicated to creating change. The one-day event took place on Sunday, May 5 at 9 a.m. on the Boston Common and featured family-friendly activities, programming, and games. This year Project Bread also offered a Walk Your Own Way option, allowing Neighbors In Need to host a walk right in Lawrence. Project Bread works year-round across policy initiatives, programs, and hunger prevention measures to ensure food access for all children and families across the Commonwealth.
“We have made incredible strides against hunger, from the passage of permanent free school meals in Massachusetts to increasing access to SNAP for immigrants facing food insecurity,” says Erin McAleer, Project Bread’s CEO. “But hunger is still a pervasive problem in our state, with 1 in 6 households and 1 in 5 households with children currently facing food insecurity. The work Neighbors In Need does reflects what the Walk is all about – continuing to step up each year to make sure our neighbors in need can access and afford food. The Neighbors In Need Walk team understands how we need to work together for statewide food security because our community is what makes us stronger.”
“Through the Walk for Hunger, Neighbors In Need is able to raise vital funds for our food pantry program, as well as help Project Bread work to end food insecurity throughout the Commonwealth,” says Lisa Smith, Executive Director of Neighbors In Need. “We are excited to be walking in our local community raising much needed funds for our food pantry program!” In addition to a small group walking on the Common on May 5, the Neighbors In Need Commonwealth Team hosted a local walk in Lawrence on June 9 and to raise $10,000 for food purchases and transportation costs.
About Project Bread
Project Bread is the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts. Beginning in 1969 with the first Walk for Hunger, the nonprofit focuses on driving systemic change to ensure people of all ages have reliable access to healthy food. Project Bread works collaboratively across sectors to create innovative solutions to end hunger and improve lives across the Commonwealth. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org.
