Local Companies Step Up to Support Project Bread's 46th Annual Walk for Hunger

BOSTON, April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- More than a dozen local companies are stepping up to support Project Bread's Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 4, 2014. This year's major sponsors for the 46^th annual Walk are Freihofer's Baking Company, Arbella Insurance Foundation, Raytheon Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, State Street Corporation, Bay State Milling Company, Eastern Bank and Fitzemeyer & Tocci Associates.

Hunger continues to be a serious problem in Massachusetts.  According to the 2013 Status Report on Hunger released by Project Bread in November, more than 700,000 people in Massachusetts aren't sure where their next meal will come—a number almost 40% higher than it was prior to the recession and almost 80% higher than it was at the beginning of the last decade. In fact, 16.5% of Massachusetts children live in food-insecure households.

Since 1969, Project Bread's Walk for Hunger has raised much-needed funds for anti-hunger programs as well as served to elevate the face of hunger in Massachusetts.  Funds raised help support local food pantries, community-based meal programs, early childhood and school nutrition initiatives, and improve access to farm-to-table resources.  This year, the Walk is expected to raise $3.5 million. Corporate sponsors are a significant force in helping to reach that goal.

"Without our dedicated sponsors, The Walk for Hunger would not be the event it is today – a fun community event that brings everyone together around an issue that affects all of us," said Ellen Parker, executive director of Project Bread. "These corporations make it possible for us to hold this amazing event, year after year, raising money to help make a difference for families in our state who are struggling." 

In addition to supporting the walk financially, many of the sponsors also put together walk teams, joining the 40,000 others who will take to the streets on May 4. Arbella Insurance Foundation, Freihofer's Baking Company, Raytheon Company and others come together as a team and fundraise for the Walk. 

"We are proud to have sponsored the Walk for Hunger for five years, helping Project Bread make a difference for those struggling with hunger," said John Schaefer of Freihofer's Baking Company.  "In addition to sponsorship, The Walk for Hunger offers us an opportunity to come together as a company, to participate as a team in a way that is meaningful in our community. We are looking forward to another great walk on May 4th."

The 20-mile walk begins and ends at the Boston Common.  The walk route weaves through Boston, Brookline, Newton, Watertown, and Cambridge.  Local entertainment and water stops help keep the walkers going throughout the day and educational elements will help walkers learn more about food insecurity and the range of anti-hunger solutions.

More than 40,000 people are expected to turn out for this year's event, walking to raise money and awareness about the issues of hunger across the state.  "I walk because it brings awareness to the serious problem of hunger in Massachusetts and in the country," said Monica Bracey of Mattapan, a walker since 1990 who raises approximately $10,000 each year.

Registration is open through the day of the walk. Individuals can walk, volunteer, and donate at www.projectbread.org/walk. More information is also available by calling 617-723-5000.

About Project Bread
Project Bread is the only statewide anti-hunger organization committed to providing people of all ages, cultures, and walks of life with sustainable, reliable access to nutritious food. From community-based meal programs, to early childhood and school nutrition initiatives, to improved access to farm-to-table resources, Project Bread approaches hunger as a complex problem with multiple solutions. With funds raised through The Walk for Hunger, the oldest continual pledge walk in the country, and other sources, Project Bread pioneers innovative initiatives and supports effective programs to eradicate hunger in our state. The Walk's flagship sponsor is Freihofer's Baking Company; its participating sponsors include Arbella Insurance Foundation, Raytheon Company, and Eos Foundation. For more information, visit www.projectbread.org, www.facebook.com/projectbread, or www.twitter.com/walkforhunger.

SOURCE Project Bread