Food Access and Community Leader Jean McMurray Honored by Project Bread

WHITINSVILLE, Mass. – On May 3, Jean McMurray, of Whitinsville, will be honored at Project Bread’s 58th Walk for Hunger with the Patrick Hughes Award for Social Justice, named for the late event founder. McMurray, who recently retired as CEO after three decades of leadership at the Worcester County Food Bank, is recognized for her unwavering commitment and longstanding partnership with Project Bread to end hunger across the Commonwealth.

Patrick Hughes first created The Walk for Hunger in 1969 to inspire action – to make people think differently, and to demonstrate the power of a community united for a common purpose. The Walk remains Project Bread’s signature event, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors in a celebration of compassion and action.

“I am so humbled because Project Bread means so much to me, personally and professionally,” says McMurray. “This award recognizes 30 years of partnership in pursuit of our shared mission to end hunger. Project Bread has always focused on real, systemic solutions aimed at preventing hunger in the first place. While food pantries play a vital role in meeting immediate, emergency needs, they are not meant to be a long-term solution. That’s why I strongly support Project Bread’s approach—working toward large-scale, lasting change to address the root causes of hunger. It’s a mission I’ve put my whole heart and soul into.”

McMurray began her tenure at the Worcester County Food Bank more than 30 years ago, making it a priority to build relationships with Project Bread’s team, a decision she describes as one of the best she ever made. Though she never met Walk for Hunger founder Patrick Hughes, McMurray worked closely with his wife, Marion Hughes, as a strategic consultant, deepening her connection to the values behind the award. In addition to her leadership at the food bank, McMurray has been serving on Project Bread’s Board of Directors since January 2007, becoming Board Emeritus in 2023. She also played a critical role in the launch of the statewide Make Hunger History Coalition, a collective campaign to ensure that all 6.9 million Massachusetts residents have reliable access to food and that Massachusetts becomes the first state to permanently end hunger.

“Jean is a selfless advocate and leader who has spent a lifetime improving her community and our Commonwealth,” shares Erin McAleer, CEO of Project Bread. “Having run a food bank for over 30 years, she knows all too well the acute needs that cause food insecurity – a health crisis, a lost job – as well as many more for whom hunger is a chronic issue because they do not have enough money to afford food. In my very first conversation with Jean, I was struck by her conviction that food pantries are a symptom of a broken system, not the solution. She has been a fierce advocate for big, bold, and sustainable solutions to revamp the system. We are proud to honor her contributions and recognize the incredible and lasting impact she has had.”

Although she recently retired from the Worcester County Food Bank, McMurray remains active as a member of the Make Hunger History Coalition Advisory Council. Her days are filled with early morning Mass, visits to her mother, daily three-mile walks, time with friends and family, reading, planning trips, and volunteering in her community.

“Hunger is an issue of social justice, and these things take time,” says McMurray. “What gives me hope are the people who continue to keep this issue front and center—smart, dedicated champions working harder than ever. When we look back at how far we’ve come, it gives us the strength to move forward and continue the great work being done alongside like-minded organizations. That’s what The Walk for Hunger is all about.”

On Sunday, May 3, McMurray will join thousands of Walk for Hunger participants who will gather on Boston Common to walk a fully accessible 3-mile loop, while others will participate virtually from their own neighborhoods. Together, they will raise more than $1 million to support Project Bread’s proven statewide programs that expand access to nutritious food for children and families facing food insecurity.

To register as a participant for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, or to support a walker or team with a donation, visit give.projectbread.org/walk. All individual walkers are encouraged to fundraise a minimum of $25 and teams $250. Participants who raise $500 or more are recognized as Heart & Sole walkers and receive access to personalized fundraising support, exclusive event gear, free breakfast on Walk Day, and invitations to exclusive events.

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.

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