Community Corner
Walk Hunger Away on Saturday
Each step in the Walk Against Hunger helps combat food insecurity throughout South Jersey.
South Jerseyans will hit the pavement on Saturday to combat hunger among their neighbors—and there’s still time to sign up and help the cause.
The Walk Against Hunger benefits the Food Bank of South Jersey and related charities. The food bank provides assistance to needy residents and local food pantries.
The Food Bank of South Jersey wants to blow past the $10,000 that 150 walkers brought in for the 2010 walk.
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“We hope to double those numbers this year,” says Dan Getman, the food bank’s community engagement manager, “and with the response we’ve received so far, that’s not going to be a problem.”
In past years, the Walk Against Hunger was a Philadelphia-based event.
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“We participated in the Philly event and still have a presence there,” Getman explains. “But it’s important to us to have a South Jersey focus and a South Jersey presence. This is where we feed the hungry and conduct our programs and if we’re going to engage the population we want to do it in our own back yard.”
The walk comes as community food pantries are feeling more pressure than ever. The down economy and higher unemployment means more South Jerseyans are food insecure than in years past. Some food charities are having trouble keeping up with demand.
The three-mile Walk Against Hunger steps off Saturday at 10 a.m. at Newton Lake Park in Haddon Township. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Pledge forms are available online.
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