Project Bread Awards over $580,000 to Boston Food Programs
The Walk for Hunger supports hunger relief programs throughout the state
(December 5, 2012 – BOSTON) Project Bread, the state’s leading antihunger organization, has awarded $583,900 in grants to emergency food programs in Boston through funds raised by the 44th annual Walk for Hunger. The grants will support programs such as food pantries, schools, farms, food banks, food salvage programs, and other community organizations providing hunger relief. Over 43,000 supporters walked to raise money to help the hungry.
Over 80 different agencies in the area will benefit from these grants. Emergency food programs are a vital resource for people who struggle with hunger, something an estimated 750,000 people in Massachusetts experience. Last year, Project Bread–funded emergency food programs across the state reported serving 61 million meals to those in need.
“As we begin to think about the holidays,” said Ellen Parker, executive director of Project Bread, “it’s essential to remember those who are struggling to put food on the table for their families. We owe them as great a measure of relief as possible to get through these difficult times.”
Specifically, Project Bread funded the South End Community Health Center.
Statewide, over 430 food programs received grants from Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger in 125 communities across the state. Below is a partial list of grant recipients in the area. For a complete listing, visit www.projectbread.org/fundedagencies.
- Allston Brighton Food Pantry (Brighton)
- American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts (Cambridge)
- Haley House Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry (Boston)
- Rosie's Place (Boston)
- St. Francis House (Boston)
- Harvest on Vine (Charlestown)
Tom MacDonald, executive director of Harvest on Vine, a food pantry located in Charlestown, explained the impact the grant from Project Bread has on his food pantry: “Harvest on Vine has become busier than ever. More families are hitting hard times and our numbers have increased dramatically. Project Bread’s generosity allows us to keep up with the demand.”
About Project Bread
As the state’s leading antihunger organization, Project Bread is dedicated to alleviating, preventing, and ultimately ending hunger in Massachusetts. Through The Walk for Hunger, the oldest continual pledge walk in the country, and other sources, Project Bread provides millions of dollars each year in privately donated funds to support hunger relief through emergency programs, schools, community health centers, farmers’ markets, community suppers, home care organizations, and other programs that protect the individual and strengthen community food security. For more information, visit www.projectbread.org.
