Sudbury Community Food Pantry Takes Steps to Fight Hunger at Project Bread’s 58th Walk for Hunger

On May 3, Sudbury Community Food Pantry stepped up for Project Bread’s 58th Walk for Hunger. For the eighth consecutive year, the Wayland-based nonprofit raised funds to support statewide food security through Project Bread’s Commonwealth Program. Participating organizations receive 60% of the funds they raise to support their own hunger relief programs, with the remaining 40% contributing to Project Bread’s broader statewide efforts to ensure access to nutritious food for all children and families.

After nearly six decades, the Walk for Hunger continues to evolve—not only as a cherished community tradition, but as a critical response to a growing crisis. Today, 40% of Massachusetts households are experiencing food insecurity, while rising food prices and potential changes to federal nutrition programs, including SNAP, threaten to deepen the challenge.

“Every annual Walk, every dollar raised moves us closer to a Massachusetts where no family has to wonder where they will get their next meal,” says Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread. “Coming together as an anti-hunger community is at the heart of this effort. Sudbury Community Food Pantry’s commitment to ending food insecurity, along with the dedication of walkers and supporters, makes Massachusetts healthier and stronger for all of us.”

The Sudbury Community Food Pantry provides food and personal care items to anyone facing food insecurity, with no prerequisites or geographic boundaries. The Wayland-based, all-volunteer organization operates an in-person pantry and home delivery program serving the region in a welcoming environment that respects clients' dignity and privacy. The pantry has participated in The Walk for Hunger since 1994, joining the Commonwealth Program at its inception in 2019. Funds raised through the Commonwealth Program will support food purchases from the Greater Boston Food Bank and local grocery stores to meet growing demand. This year, the team hit the pavement locally in Sudbury, participating virtually in the annual fundraiser.

"As an all-volunteer organization, we work hard to raise awareness within the community," says Deb Keeney, a longtime volunteer for the Sudbury Community Food Pantry. "We greatly appreciate our volunteers who participate in the Walk to support anyone facing food insecurity."

The Walk—founded in 1969 as a grassroots movement for social change—remains the nation’s oldest continually running pledge walk and one of the Commonwealth’s most visible demonstrations of collective action to end hunger. Project Bread launched the joint-fundraising Commonwealth Program in 2019. In 2025, 51 nonprofits raised more than $200,000 to support their own programs for statewide food security.

This year, participants gathered for a family-friendly, fully accessible 3-mile loop on Boston Common, alongside virtual walkers participating from across Massachusetts, the U.S., and beyond. Funds raised support Project Bread’s comprehensive approach to food security, including policy advocacy, prevention strategies, and partnerships that address the root causes of hunger. The event featured live entertainment, local food vendors, a cooking demonstration, and multilingual, inclusive programming with ASL interpretation.

Fundraising for The Walk for Hunger will continue through the summer. Donate directly to Sudbury Community Food Pantry’s Commonwealth fundraiser at give.projectbread.org/sudbury. Visit www.projectbread.org/walk to donate or start a personal fundraiser to support this ongoing mission.

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.

About Sudbury Community Food Pantry

The Sudbury Community Food Pantry has been serving clients from the MetroWest region and beyond since 1990. The Pantry moved into their new home at 534 Boston Post Road in Wayland in 2025 and welcomes clients on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12pm – 2:15pm. More information is available at www.Sudburyfoodpantry.org

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