Thousands participate in annual Walk for Hunger

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Thousands of walkers and volunteers took to the streets Sunday for Project Bread's Walk for Hunger.

The annual walk took place Sunday morning. It raised millions of dollars to help those in need.

More than 43,000 walkers and volunteers participated in the 44th annual Walk For Hunger.

"I think it’s wonderful. Everyone’s here to eradicate hunger,” said Ralph Greenberg.

More than $3.6 million was raised for hungry people in the state of Massachusetts -- one of the reasons Barbara Conrad comes every year. It was her 18th walk on Sunday.

"All the money does stay in Massachusetts, and the money does make its way to the food banks on Cape Cod," said Barbara Conrad.

The 7News team was there as well.

The funds donated will be granted back to 450 community programs. That includes emergency food providers, schools, community health centers, and much more.

The wide range of programs reflects Project Bread's broad and innovative approach to anti-hunger work.

"This is my fourth year doing it… And we're here to have a great time," said Charles Jolin.

In its 44 years, the Walk For Hunger is the largest and oldest one-day walk-a-thon for hunger in the country starting in 1969 with 2,000 walkers who raised $26,000 for two emergency food programs.

During the past 44 years, more than a million participants have raised nearly $85 million to help hungry people in Massachusetts.

Project Bread's Foodsource hotline connects a hungry person to emergency food in his or her neighborhood and receives approximately 46000 calls per year.