The Walk for Hunger

History of the Walk

• June 1969
  A group of activists from the Paulist Center, led by Patrick Hughes, establish The Walk for Hunger. Approximately 2,000 people set out on a 29.6-mile trek through Quincy on Sunday, June 8, 1969. Participants raise $26,000 to fund two hunger projects.
• May 1970
  The first Walk for Hunger in Boston. 2,000 concerned citizens participate in the shortened 25-mile route.
• May 1973
  The Walk for Hunger route is reduced from 25 miles to 20 miles. Approximately 1,000 people complete the route, which takes them from Government Center through the South End, South Boston, Beacon Hill, and Allston, and finishes at the Boston Common.
• May 1979
  With nearly 10 percent of the state's citizens living below the poverty line, hunger persists in the Commonwealth. Nearly 3,000 people participate in the tenth anniversary of The Walk for Hunger and help raise funds for 34 emergency food programs.
• May 1985
  The first million-dollar Walk for Hunger. With the current route mostly established, 11,000 Walkers raise more than $1 million to help feed hungry families in Massachusetts.
• May 1999
  Despite a strong economy, hunger continues to rise in Massachusetts. Concerned citizens in the Bay State participate and raise $3 million to support more than 350 emergency food programs.
• May 2008
  The 40th Walk for Hunger sets new records when an estimated 40,000 Walkers, 2,000 Volunteers, 50,000 donors, and more than 35 corporate sponsors raise over $4 million to help feed hungry people in Massachusetts.