Newton Food Pantry Gets Funding from Walk for Hunger

This is an edited version of a press release from Project Bread: 

Project Bread, a leading Massachusetts antihunger organization, has awarded $78,700 in grants to emergency food programs throughout the west-of-Boston rea, 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.

More than 43,000 supporters walked to raise money to help the hungry. In the west-of-Boston area, 22 different agencies will benefit from these grants. Emergency food programs are a vital resource for people who struggle with hunger, which an estimated 750,000 people in Massachusetts experience.

Last year, the 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 important to remember those who are still struggling to put food on the table for their families. We owe them as great a measure of relief as we can possibly provide.” Statewide, Project Bread is funding more than 430 food programs in 125 communities with donations from the Walk for Hunger. Below is a partial list of the 22 grant recipients in the area, starting with the Newton Food Pantry. For a complete listing, visit www.projectbread.org/fundedagencies. 

• Newton Food Pantry (Newton)
• A Place To Turn (Natick)
• Ashland Youth and Family Services (Ashland)
• Open Table (Concord)
• Salvation Army (Framingham)
• United Way of Tri-County (Marlborough)

Peter Hilton, president of the Open Table pantry in Concord, explains how the grant from Project Bread helps his pantry: “Open Table depends on Project Bread and others for the support we need to provide healthy food to our guests at our Concord and Maynard locations. Our guest population has continually grown over the last several years, and it can be challenging to keep up with this demand,” Hilton continued, “We couldn't do this without the help of Project Bread.  We are very thankful for the work that Project Bread does to assist those in need.” 

About Project Bread: As a leading antihunger organization in Massachusetts, Project Bread is dedicated to alleviating, preventing, and ultimately ending hunger in the state. 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.