Quincy Nonprofit Laced Up for Annual Walk for Hunger

On May 7, Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. (QCAP) was among more than 4,000 participants to lace up for Project Bread’s 55th annual Walk for Hunger. For the 5th consecutive year, the Quincy-based nonprofit was invited to raise money to fight hunger locally. They participated in The Commonwealth Program, which gives organizations addressing food insecurity 60% of all funds they have raised to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40% applied to Project Bread’s statewide anti-hunger effort. The event hasn’t hit the $1 million goal yet, however fundraising will continue through the summer for most participants.

True to its grassroots beginnings, the nation’s oldest community pledge walk unites community partners, business leaders, walkers, volunteers, public officials, media, and residents of all backgrounds together for a cause. Money raised through the annual event is funding Project Bread’s urgent mission to ensure kids have reliable access to food, to directly help individuals and families, and to advocate at the state and federal levels for expedited and efficient relief for those in need. Walk funds are also supporting community organizations that are helping people access food locally and ensuring communities have the resources necessary to respond to the hunger crisis now and over the long road to recovery ahead.

“1 in 5 families with children is struggling without enough to eat,” says Erin McAleer, Project Bread CEO. “The Walk for Hunger and the money it raises are vital as resources available during the pandemic continue to be peeled back. This includes free school meals, expanded SNAP benefit amounts, an increased number of Summer Eats meal sites and more. Donating to the Walk, and raising money, is something tangible all of us can do to make sure our neighbors in need can get the food to meet their most basic of needs.”

This year, 34 nonprofits participated in The Commonwealth, raising more than $116,400 and counting. The QCAP team was out in full force.

For 58 years, Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. (QCAP) has been the leading private nonprofit organization in the Greater Quincy area dedicated to reducing poverty and helping low-income families achieve economic stability. The Community Action Agency helps more than 31,000 individuals in the Quincy area access services like food, childcare, heating & housing assistance, financial coaching, free tax preparation and more.

To meet the new increased need for food in the Quincy and Greater Quincy Community, QCAP opened a new South West Community Center at 18 Copeland St. to maintain new programs such as the Mobile Pantry Program, the Food Delivery Program and offer additional expanded services. As a cornerstone in the Southwest Quincy Community, QCAP’s Food Center is the largest, most accessible local food pantry, open five days a week, seven hours per day, with extended hours on Wednesdays to accommodate working families. The Center is located in Quincy in “Brewer’s Corner,” which is a low-income Census tract area in Quincy.

The organization has participated in Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger since 2004 and has raised nearly $20,000 since then. This year, the team walked virtually in Quincy, participating in the “walk your own way" option in this year’s event. Funds raised through the Commonwealth Program will go toward new equipment and furniture needed to complete the organization’s Client Welcome Area, where clients will have daily access to rescued food, library books, supplies, resources, and more. QCAP has surpassed its $1,000 goal.

“We are proud that we have reached our fundraising goal in support of the Walk for Hunger,” says Kristen Schlapp, Chief Operating Officer of QCAP. “QCAP is thrilled to continue our long partnership with Project Bread through the Community Partnerships Program. Together, QCAP and Project Bread are able to leverage our strengths and networks to find creative solutions to food security issues in our community. There is a need for food security in Quincy and the Greater South Shore region, which is an issue that QCAP has been addressing since 1965. Our continued collaboration with Project Bread will ensure that low-income residents of Quincy and the surrounding towns facing food insecurity are not lost in the crowd.”

Historically, Project Bread has hosted a 20-mile Walk for Hunger, passing through 5 towns. This year’s event followed a new 3-mile route around Boston Common. There was something for everyone as participants engaged in family-friendly activities, live music, giveaways and raffle prizes, lawn games, and a Kid’s Zone complete with balloon animals and face painting. Project Bread’s Chef Educator Sherry Hughes showed participants how to make Adobo Chicken with Corn and Cucumber Salad, a recipe developed by Project Bread Chefs to ensure school meals are healthy and delicious.

Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger fundraising continues throughout the summer with the goal of reaching the $1 million target. Visit www.projectbread.org/walk to donate or start a personal fundraiser.

People experiencing food insecurity should call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), to connect with local food resources. Support is confidential, free, and available in any language and for the hearing impaired. Learn more at www.projectbread.org/get-help.

About Project Bread

Project Bread is the leading statewide anti-hunger 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.

About Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc.

Through partnerships, community engagement, and advocacy for racial, social, and economic justice, we provide pathways to assist families and individuals from diverse backgrounds in their efforts to realize economic opportunity and create meaningful connections to improve the quality of their lives. To learn more, visit: https://www.qcap.org/