Charity walk to benefit hunger-fighting efforts locally and abroad
GREENVILLE, SC (March 7, 2022) — Church World Service (CWS) hosts Upstate CROP Hunger Walk in Greenville annually to help eradicate hunger and poverty in our community and around the world through sustainable initiatives. A portion of the funds raised through the Upstate CROP Hunger Walk will benefit Loaves & Fishes (L&F), a local food rescue organization in Greenville County.
CROP Hunger Walks across the country raised over $6 million for hunger relief initiatives in 2021. The 2021 Upstate walk had its’ best year ever in its 35-year history, raising over $24,500, with all participant-raised funds directly benefit CWS and L&F. This year’s 5K walk will take place on Sunday, March 20th at 2:30 pm on the Barton Campus of Greenville Technical College. Register to participate or create a team online at www.crophungerwalk.org/greenvillesc. Numerous local churches, youth ministries, and interfaith groups participate in this walk to fight hunger while enjoying fellowship with similarly minded neighbors.
“CROP Hunger Walks are family friendly events which bring together the whole community to raise awareness and funds that make a difference in the lives of thousands of struggling people each year” – Kevin McCoy, CWS Southeast Representative. CWS is a 76-year-old international relief and development agency working in the U.S. and around the globe to provide just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disasters.
Loaves & Fishes is a 501(c) 3 non-profit working to rescue food and reduce hunger in Greenville County. L&F, with the assistance of over 150 volunteers, rescues perishable food from local restaurants, caterers, churches, grocery stores, wholesalers, and distributors. Donated food is delivered the same day to 107 agencies for distribution to individuals experiencing food insecurity. Agencies served by L&F include emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, group homes, community centers, senior programs, afterschool, and summer programs for at-risk kids in addition to low-income housing for the elderly and disabled. L&F’s services are free of charge to the agencies served. In 2021, L&F rescued over 2.4 million pounds ($5 million worth) of food – enough to feed over 250,000 individuals in need.