Burlington Nonprofit Walks to End Hunger in Burlington and Across Massachusetts

With food insecurity on the rise across Massachusetts, local communities are stepping up to meet the need. Among them is Burlington’s own People Helping People, gearing up for Project Bread’s 57th annual Walk for Hunger on Sunday, May 4.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that the Burlington-based nonprofit has participated in the Walk, raising money through Project Bread’s Commonwealth Program. The program allows community organizations addressing food insecurity to keep 60% of the funds they raise to support local efforts, while contributing the remaining 40% to Project Bread’s broader statewide mission.

Julie Lewis, Pantry Manager at People Helping People, is leading a team of approximately 40 area residents who will participate locally by walking a 3-mile loop around the Burlington High School track. The group aims to raise at least $3,000 to support its hunger relief programs, though Lewis says she knows the community can raise more. In the first 3 years of participating, Burlington's walk team raised more than $1, an average over $5000 per year!

“It’s always wonderful being surrounded by and walking with members of our community who want to help end hunger and food insecurity,” said Lewis. “The funds we've raised through The Walk for Hunger have helped us to continue operating our food pantry and other programs. Over 200 families rely on us each month to help put food on their tables, so we need to continue our work without interruption."

People Helping People supports residents facing financial hardship by providing basic needs through several community initiatives. These include the Burlington Community Food Pantry, seasonal holiday meal programs, the annual Wish Tree campaign, and an emergency assistance fund known as the Covenant for Basic Needs. This year, said Board President Elizabeth Trowbridge, the food pantry has been averaging 621 clients per month, up 31% from 2024.

"We spend anywhere from $1,500-$2,000 each month on supplemental food such as produce, milk, and eggs," Lewis said. "We get 5,000 pounds 2-3 times a month from the Greater Boston Food Bank, but if they have to cut back on what they send to us because of the cuts affecting them, we will have to purchase more food."

The Walk for Hunger, organized annually by Project Bread, is both a fundraiser and a celebration of community action. Taking place this year at 9 a.m. on May 4, the walk route offers an accessible, family-friendly experience with food, entertainment, and activities along the way. The event is designed to be inclusive, with participants walking or rolling on paved paths, and staff on-site providing ASL interpretation and multilingual support.

“It is becoming more and more difficult for people to afford enough to eat,” said Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread. “One in five families with kids are worried about where their next meal will come from. The Walk for Hunger is our opportunity to make an immediate difference in the lives of thousands of our neighbors.”

Project Bread’s Commonwealth Program, launched in 2019, enables organizations like People Helping People to directly fund local food relief. Last year, 39 nonprofits collectively raised over $228,000 through the Walk.

Here in Burlington, Kim Trainor has participated in the Walk for Hunger with People Helping People each year. "It's such a great way to come together with friends and family while supporting the Burlington Food Pantry,” she said. “It's an easy way to make a real impact on local families who need support."

With every step taken on May 4, the Burlington team will be walking toward a future where no neighbor goes hungry—and inviting others to join them on the path to lasting change.

To donate to People Helping People’s team, visit their fundraising page. For more on how to register or support the Walk for Hunger, visit give.projectbread.org/walk.

Anyone experiencing food insecurity can call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 for free, confidential help in 180 languages.