Odysseys Unlimited Laces Up for Project Bread’s 57th Walk for Hunger

NEWTON, Mass. – On May 4, Odysseys Unlimited, a Newton-based travel company specializing in small group tours, will step up for Project Bread’s 57th Walk for Hunger. The corporate team will join 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.”

This is the 11th consecutive year Odysseys Unlimited will hit the pavement for the cause. Over twenty four employees with their friends and family members will participate in the event with the goal of raising $15,000. They will be hosting office events to boost fundraising and increase engagement across their team. Over nearly a decade, the company has raised more than $100,000 for the annual event.

“We want to help fund and bring attention to Project Bread’s mission because no one should go hungry,” says Lisa Howlett, Senior Manager, Tour Operations & Fulfillment at Odysseys Unlimited. “Being part of the Walk for Hunger allows us to engage directly with our community while supporting a cause we deeply believe in. It’s wonderful to be on Boston Common on Walk Day with our fellow co-workers fundraising for such an important cause, meeting Project Bread employees and volunteers, and being part of the energy and excitement that the event generates!”

Donate directly to Odyssey Unlimited’s fundraiser at https://give.projectbread.org/team/641098. 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.

###