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IPSWICH— As local people are struggling to put food on the table, Ipswich Middle School students made their annual trek in the Walk for Hunger to help.
Held on Friday morning, students had raised $15,347 by lunchtime. However, the fundraiser continues until Monday, April 21.
Each year, Ipswich Middle School holds the 10-mile Walk for Hunger — from the school to Pavilion Beach and back — to raise funds for local people who need help getting food.
Funds raised support the Open Door Ipswich Community Food Pantry.
“The annual Walk for Hunger has become one of the centerpieces of the middle school experience here in Ipswich,” said schools superintendent Brian Blake.
Before the event, students discuss food insecurity and the benefits of giving back to the community, he said.
Their support amid increasing demand
The Open Door met a 30% increase in requests for food assistance in both 2023 and 2024.
The Greater Boston Food Bank estimates that, without state intervention, proposed federal cuts and changes to SNAP, TEFAP (USDA), and school meals will lead to a 77% increase in demand at local food pantries such as the Open Door.
“Every year, we’re so thankful for Ipswich Middle School,” said Sarah Grow, director of advocacy and development at The Open Door. “They all pitch in to make it a success and help feed local people in Ipswich.”
(Photo Courtesy of The Open Door)
Last year, the Open Door helped 11,893 people with the distribution of 2.35 million pounds of food through 100,775 visits to its programs.
The Open Door serves Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Wenham, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, and Georgetown.
Its Ipswich Community Food Pantry, located at 00 Southern Heights, distributed 185,561 pounds of food to 653 people.
In all, more than 1,100 Ipswich residents use the Open Door programs, including food pantries, mobile markets, meal programs, and SNAP (food stamps) assistance.
“In the weeks leading up to this event, our staff has been teaching students about food insecurity and its impact on individuals and families. As a result, our students are not only informed — they’re inspired to take action,” said Peter Ginolfi, middle school principal.
The Ipswich Middle School Walk for Hunger has benefited the Open Door since the Ipswich Community Food Pantry merged with the nonprofit in 2016.
Each year, students strive to raise $10,000 through the Walk for Hunger.
