Srikanth Akkineni Raises Money for Statewide Hunger Relief

On May 4, Srikanth Akkineni, of Acton, will step up for Project Bread’s 57th Walk for Hunger. He will be among over 3,500 participants, both in-person and virtual, to walk the 3-mile loop around the Boston Common or in their own neighborhoods. The one-day community event will raise more than $1 million to support the leading statewide food security organization’s approach to ensure food access for all children and families in Massachusetts.

The Walk for Hunger, Project Bread’s flagship community fundraiser, brings together a diverse community dedicated to ensuring food security across the Commonwealth. The celebration is set for Sunday, May 4 at 9 a.m. and will feature family-friendly activities, food and entertainment. This year’s Walk will remain an accessible route on the fully paved sidewalks, allowing people with mobility devices, young children, and other needs to participate. ASL interpreters and multilingual staff will be present throughout the event. Beginning in 1969 as the first pledge walk in the nation, money raised from The Walk for Hunger is critical to fund Project Bread’s statewide work for systemic change for hunger relief.

“It is becoming more and more difficult for people to afford enough to eat,” says Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread. “One in 5 families with kids are worried about where their next meal will come from. The Walk for Hunger is our opportunity to make an immediate difference in the lives of thousands of our neighbors. The people – our walkers, volunteers, and donors – are what make The Walk for Hunger such a powerful event. Together, as a community, we’re making sure people can access food with dignity and choice each day.”

On May 4, 7th grader Srikanth Akkineni will lace up for Project Bread’s 57th Walk for Hunger with a team of family and friends from his neighborhood to spread awareness for hunger relief. At 12 years old, the Acton resident is making strides to help others through participating in the annual community fundraiser and donating proceeds from his recently launched lifestyle brand Joombi (Instagram: @joombiofficial). Focused on eco-friendly living, expressive clothes, and supporting causes, his brand gives 100% of proceeds to charities, like Project Bread. All clothes are made locally in Massachusetts, and Akkineni is looking forward to expanding his brand to include sleepwear and socks.

Akkineni’s parents, Sarath and Sandhya, introduced him to The Walk for Hunger when he was 4 years old and instilled in him the importance of giving back and living life with curiosity and generosity. In the spirit of helping others, he aspires to one day become a doctor and help his community stay healthy. Akkineni’s parents have matched his initial $2,500 contribution to Project Bread. With a Walk for Hunger fundraising goal of $2,500 again, he and his team are working to ensure all Massachusetts residents are food secure.

“Joombi is a way to help heal the world,” says Akkineni. “I am passionate about reducing food waste and have secured several thousand petition signatures from thoughtful Massachusetts residents in the hopes of influencing future legislation. Project Bread’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion—focusing on systemic change—is what excites me to partner with them in giving back. Community support and empathy are important to help those in need. I want to build that movement and message through Joombi and Project Bread. I’m looking forward to spreading awareness for Project Bread and sharing the day with friends and family. It’s a necessity that kids and families get food, and I have learned that it is possible to make a change, no matter how old you are.”

Donate directly to Akkineni’s fundraiser at https://give.projectbread.org/fundraiser/6143051.

To register as a participant for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, or to support a walker or team with a donation, visit give.projectbread.org/walk. All individual walkers are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of $25 and teams $250. Participants who raise $500 or more are recognized as Heart & Sole walkers and receive access to personalized fundraising support, exclusive event gear, free breakfast on Walk Day, and invitations to exclusive events.

People experiencing food insecurity should call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), which provides confidential, free assistance getting connected to a variety of food resources in 180 languages and for the hearing impaired. Counselors can pre-screen families and help them to apply for SNAP. Learn more at projectbread.org/get-help.

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.