JF&CS Family Table Laces Up for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger

WALTHAM, Mass. – On May 1, JF&CS Family Table will be among thousands of virtual participants to lace up for Project Bread’s 54th annual Walk for Hunger. For the fourth consecutive year, the Waltham-based nonprofit will participate in the event through The Commonwealth Program which gives 60 percent of all funds raised by teams from likeminded organizations and agencies back to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40 percent applied to the statewide anti-hunger effort. To date, Project Bread awarded $16,099 in grants to JF&CS Family Table through the Commonwealth Program.

Historically, the Walk for Hunger, the nation’s oldest continual pledge walk, takes place the first Sunday of May on the Boston Common. The 2022 fundraiser will be the third event to be done virtually and is expected to raise more than $1 million to support Project Bread’s work to increase food access for people of all ages in Massachusetts.

“Currently, 1 in 5 Massachusetts households with children is struggling without enough to eat and that number jumps dramatically for Black, brown, and immigrant households,” says Erin McAleer, Project Bread CEO. “Participating in the Walk for Hunger is one way in which residents can take action to fund school and community meal sites and Massachusetts’ only statewide hotline that connects residents with a range of food resources, including SNAP assistance. We can drive community change together.”

Money raised through the Walk is funding Project Bread’s work to ensure kids have reliable access to food, directly helping individuals and families, and advocating at the state and federal levels for expedited and efficient relief for those in need. Walk funds are also supporting community organizations, like JF&CS Family Table, that are helping residents to access food now and grants to ensure communities have the resources necessary to sustain and grow local anti-hunger programs. In 2021, 28 nonprofits participated in The Commonwealth Program and raised more than $165,000 to support their own work.

JF&CS Family Table works to end hunger in the Greater Boston Jewish community while serving people who need assistance regardless of religious affiliation. Family Table fulfills its mission by providing kosher food, creating a caring Jewish connection, and empowering people to make healthy eating a part of their daily lives. The food pantry serves an estimated 500 households per month. During the pandemic, curbside pre-pack bags of non-perishable and fresh items were offered. Starting this month, in-person shopping at the pantry with resume. Deliveries to homebound residents, including seniors and others without transportation, including many Holocaust survivors, remained consistent and continue in 100 communities around Greater Boston and North Shore and South Shore areas. Nearly 25 individuals from JF&CS Family Table partners, including synagogues across the region, will lace up on Walk Day in their own neighborhoods to raise $10,000 for the cause. Funds will support future purchases of specialized food, including Jewish staples during the holidays.

“Participant in the Walk for Hunger is important for two reasons,” says Bernice Behar, Family Table Program Director. “First, it’s a great way to engage kids in meaningful activities in which their parents model helping neighbors in need. Second, not only is our Walk team raising money to support our pantry, but the remaining money raised helps ensure residents statewide have enough to eat. When you walk, you are literally helping every community across the Commonwealth. That’s really powerful!”

This year’s event will include virtual programming with McAleer, elected officials, as well as walkers and volunteers posting and sharing their experiences along their neighborhood routes and why they are walking to help end hunger. Families with kids, individuals and teams of corporate employees are encouraged to find creative ways to connect virtually and fundraise together.

To register for the event and create a personal or team fundraising page for The Walk for Hunger or to make a donation, visit projectbread.org/walk or call (617) 723-5000.There is no registration fee or fundraising minimum to participate. Participants who raise $500 or more are recognized as Heart & Sole walkers, and receive access to personalized fundraising support, exclusive event gear, and invitations to events.

People experiencing food insecurity should call into Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), which provides confidential assistance to connect with food resources, including SNAP benefits, in 180 languages and for the hearing impaired. For more information, visit: 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 JF&CS Family Table

For 150 years, Jewish Family & Children’s Service has provided exceptional human service and health care programs, guided by Jewish traditions of social responsibility, compassion, and respect for all members of the community. With an integrated network of more than 40 programs serving communities throughout Eastern and Central Massachusetts, JF&CS helps people of all faiths and backgrounds meet life’s challenges. JF&CS programs focus on serving particularly vulnerable populations including children and adults with disabilities or mental illness, new mothers and their infants, seniors living with chronic conditions, and people experiencing financial crisis, hunger, or domestic abuse. The mission of JF&CS Family Table is to end hunger in the Greater Boston Jewish community while serving people who need our assistance regardless of religious affiliation. Family Table fulfills its mission by providing kosher food, creating a caring Jewish connection, and empowering people to make healthy eating a part of their daily lives. Visit www.jfcsboston.org for more information.

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