Interfaith walk stomps out hunger

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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter

For many families, the kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s where the entire family gathers and bonds during mealtimes. It is where two human needs, companionship and hunger, can be satiated simultaneously.

However, not all families are able to satisfy their hunger every day. Project Bread’s 2016 report finds that one in every 10 Massachusetts households is food insecure, meaning they lack the resources to get enough affordable and nutritious food.

Temple Beth David and surrounding houses of faith joined together to bring philanthropy and food to their community with the Interfaith Walk for Hunger in support of Project Bread on September 24.

The issue of hunger and food insecurity can afflict anyone, no matter the person’s age, race, gender, or religion. Therefore, it has been important for the event to welcome those of different backgrounds each year for the Walk that celebrates diversity and altruism.

“This is what it’s all about: to come together as a community to fight hunger,” said Jeff Greenwald, co-chair of the Walk.

Before setting out on the three-mile walk, participants brought donations for their local food pantries, including Westwood, Wellesley, and Walpole. For a mural project that the Temple Beth David Youth Group organized, volunteers asked the youngest participants to be photographed with a paper plate with their reasons for walking. The youth group would print the photos for the walkers to see when they returned.

“It’s symbolic and it gives little kids an idea of what it means to be hungry,” said Holly Smulski, the other co-chair of the event.

“I think a lot of kids in the communities around here don’t realize that hunger is an actual issue, so I think this project is going to help them to think about a deeper meaning behind those that they may not know are struggling,” said Kayley Fiorino, the Youth Group’s Social Action Vice-President. Kayley also decorated a plate, on which she wrote that hunger is a silent issue.

An imam, reverend, priest, and a rabbi also joined the participants at the Interfaith Walk for Hunger to deliver a benediction before beginning their trek. While inspiring thoughtfulness and respect for each individual and their faith, the Walk also motivated the participants to conquer the issue of hunger in the community.