Walkers Shine Spotlight on Food Insecurity at the 2024 Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger
On Sunday, October 27th, community members from Westwood and nearby towns including Medfield, Norwood, and Canton joined together at Westwood's Temple Beth David for the annual Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger. In doing so, they helped shine a spotlight on the often invisible problem of food insecurity among neighbors and raised over $14,000 for Project Bread, to help eliminate hunger in Massachusetts.
Enjoy these photos from the day, all but two of which were snapped by Photographer Debra Grossbaum and shared with Westwood Minute.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. Two friendly, smiling ladies staffed the event registration table.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. Jessie Cox, Project Bread Assistant Director for Individual Giving (on left) was on hand, along with additional staff from Project Bread, at the Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. Leaders of local houses of faith showed up to support the event. Behind Temple Beth David's Rabbi Karen Citrin (who holds the microphone) are (left to right) Rev. Dave Egan - First Parish Unitarian Universalist (Medfield), Father Matthew Norwood - St. Joan of Arc (Westwood), Rabbi Natali Hirsch - Temple Beth David (Westwood), Rev. V. Michael Bousquet - St. John's Episcopal Church (Westwood), Rev. JT Hills - First Parish of Westwood, and Rev. Michele Bagby Allan - First Congregational Church (Norwood).
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. Children and dogs became friends at the Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger, with some participating on two feet, four feet, or on scooter.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. Westwood Police officers helped ensure walkers' safety by directing traffic and pedestrians across Pond Street.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. A long line of event participants stretched down Pond Street and through the nearby Westwood neighborhood as they embarked on an approximate 3 mile walk.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. Many walkers came warmly dressed in hats and coats on the brisk, fall day.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. The Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger followed its traditional route from Westwood's Temple Beth David through Westwood neighborhoods before returning to the temple.
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Photo by Debra Grossbaum. Participants in the annual Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger were cheered to walk in brisk but sunny autumn weather on Sunday, October 27, 2024 in Westwood.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. Perhaps the youngest member of the walk, an eight month old dachshund, enjoyed the view from a carrier strapped to her caregiver's chest.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. Not only did families and friends walk together, but participants (many of them regular attendees at the annual event) were encouraged to talk to someone new on the walk, and in so doing, strengthen community.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. The 3-mile Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger gave dog owners a chance to spend quality time with their furry best friends.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. Participants on the Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger set their own walking pace, and stayed comfortable with water from home or provided by event organizers.
Photo by Debra Grossbaum. About 80 participants joined in the 2024 Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger, as pictured in this group photo.
Photo by Westwood Minute/Darlene Wong Cancell. Event organizer Dr. Jeffrey Greenwald (right) greeted participants who came from areas such as Canton, Norwood, Medfield, and Westwood.
Photo by Connie Rizoli. Event photographer Deb Grossbaum takes a break with her puppy, when she is not covering the Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger from everywhere, all at once.
Thanks to Debra Grossbaum for contributing her photos, and to Interfaith Mini Walk for Hunger organizers Dr. Jeffrey Greenwald and Connie Rizoli for their contributions to this Westwood Minute photo essay.
Updated 10/29/2024 at 8:20 p.m.