The 2012 Hunger Walk Festival takes place Sunday, September 9, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park. The event includes DJ music, refreshments, snacks, three food trucks (Grind, Holy Mole, and L’il Cheezers), and a “Kids Zone” by KaZoing! Participants in the 5k Run/Walk will “put hunger on the run” starting at 2:15, with live music along the route and spirit squads on the sidelines.
“The Hunger Walk helps to unite this community around the issue of hunger,” said Stan Siegwald, Dare to Care Food Bank’s Director of Policy and Planning. “Despite the issues of faith, politics, or neighborhood that may divide us, we all agree that we can help every family have access to the food they need for a healthy life.”
According to Stan, Dare to Care has been managing and co-organizing the The Hunger Walk (Louisville’s oldest public issue walk) since 2008. The committee, co-chaired by Ken Cusick (Kroger) and Terry Taylor (Interfaith Paths to Peace), includes representatives from Louisville’s business and faith communities. On Sunday, 20 Dare to Care staff members and over 100 volunteers will set-up, manage the festival and the walk/run course, and help tear-down and clean-up.
Race participants can register as a team or individual. The entry fee is $25 for Adults and $15 for Youth (18 and under.) Runners can also be “sponsored,” and general donations are accepted.
“The money is used to procure food that is distributed to Kentuckiana’s food pantries, shelters, emergency kitchens, and afterschool programs,” said Stan.
DTC’s goal for the current fiscal year is to exceed last year’s revenue of $138,000 with more than 2,500 attendees, and distribute 17 million pounds of food. According to Stan, the community’s continued generosity and support makes this possible.
“The most rewarding aspect is watching this community come together and show its true character,” he said. “It is inspiring to see leaders from over a dozen different faiths get on stage with each other and with leaders from our business community to express their unified commitment to feed the hungry.”
For more information, visit www.thehungerwalk.org.
