Beverly Resident Honored with Project Bread’s Patrick Hughes Award

BEVERLY, Mass. – On May 4, Paula Andrea Tobon, of Beverly, will be honored as one of Project Bread’s inaugural Council of Experts with Lived Experience at the 57th annual Walk for Hunger with the 2025 Patrick Hughes Award for Social Justice. Project Bread recognizes the meaningful work of the Council in addressing the root causes of hunger and bravely sharing their personal experiences to advocate for sustainable solutions for stateside food security.

The nonprofit's most prestigious award was created to honor the legacy of Patrick Hughes, whose deep-seated passion for social justice and entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger in 1969. His activism and advocacy were anchored in optimism and stemmed from his belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.

“Working with Project Bread has been a transformative experience that has filled me with gratitude and hope,” says Tobon. “From day one, I have felt the unwavering passion of every person involved in this nonprofit to create a more just and equitable world. Every program, every initiative, and every step forward reflects the tireless commitment to honoring the dignity of people facing inequality. Receiving the 2025 Patrick Hughes Award for Social Justice is a profound and exciting honor. This award not only recognizes my work, but also celebrates the legacy of Patrick Hughes, whose inspiring vision continues to be the guiding beacon of our mission. Their entrepreneurial spirit and faith in the power of collective change are values we deeply share at Project Bread. This recognition is a constant reminder that, together, we can tackle the biggest challenges and build a future where everyone has access to nutritious food, education, and fair opportunities. I am infinitely grateful to the entire Project Bread community for their support, dedication, and belief in me. This award is both mine and yours, because without your tireless work, none of this would be possible. I am proud to be part of this movement and to continue fighting for a society where social justice is a reality for all people. And long live Colombia wherever I am!”

Launched in 2023, the Council of Experts integrates the lived experiences of individuals and families facing food insecurity into Project Bread's decision-making, programming, and policy initiatives. The eight Council of Experts members, including Tobon, of the 2023-2024 cohort contributed to projects like improving evaluation tools with the research team, refining communications for The Walk for Hunger, increasing awareness of nutrition programs like Summer Eats, and lending their expertise to the development and launch of the statewide Make Hunger History coalition. Their involvement enhanced outreach, resource sharing, policy strategy, and program development, ensuring that the needs of the community are met in a sustainable way.

“The inaugural Council of Experts embodies the same entrepreneurial spirit of Patrick Hughes,” says Erin McAleer, CEO of Project Bread. “They are community leaders who share Project Bread’s passion for food justice. Paula is an inspiration to us all, deeply committed to ensuring that everyone in Massachusetts can access and afford food with dignity.”

The Council members will share remarks with the over 3,500 people expected to participate in Project Bread’s 57th Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 4. Community members can join them in-person for the 3-mile loop around Boston Common or participate in the “Walk Your Own Way” option from anywhere in the Commonwealth. The nonprofit’s flagship community fundraiser 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.

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.