Under the warm glow of a 70 degree Wednesday night, a remarkable gathering of over 100 walkers, accompanied by six canine companions, embarked on a purposeful journey. They came together not only to enjoy an evening stroll but also to make a powerful statement about the pressing issue of hunger. This unified effort also aimed to raise funds to support those in need, both in Barnes County and around the globe.

Among the participants were confirmation students representing various churches, many of whom were startled to discover that nearly 5% of families in North Dakota experience food insecurity. The eye-opening statistics shared at informational booths along the one-mile route surrounding Jefferson School served as a stark reminder that hunger is a widespread and urgent concern, particularly affecting one in twelve children in the state.

In Barnes County alone, the Barnes County Food Pantry provided nourishment to almost 2,000 individuals last year. As part of the hunger walk’s mission, twenty percent of the funds raised will be allocated to supporting the Barnes County Food Pantry, ensuring its continued ability to serve the community. Additionally, five percent of the proceeds will be directed to the relatively new Hiliner Food Pantry, further expanding the reach of assistance.

The need for support extends far beyond county borders. Globally, the World Food Program reports that over 48 million people are currently grappling with hunger at emergency levels. This dire situation puts them at risk of acute malnutrition, starvation, even death. Shockingly, hunger-related causes account for 45% of child deaths worldwide. To compound matters, approximately 800 million people face varying degrees of hunger. These sobering figures underscore the importance of efforts such as the ecumenical Hunger Walk, which seeks to address this global crisis.

The Hunger Walk brought together several churches, including Connect Church, Faith Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran, Our Saviors Lutheran, Epworth Methodist, and Congregational Church, along with numerous individual participants. Along the route, walkers encountered booths that provided additional insights into related issues. For instance, one booth highlighted the use of bednets in Africa as a means to prevent the spread of malaria, a deadly disease. Another booth offered walkers a taste of a new grain known as kernza, presented in the form of a cracker. Kernza boasts a deep root system that benefits soil health, making it an innovative development by the University of Minnesota.

For those inspired to contribute to the CROP WALK for HUNGER, donations are warmly welcomed at any of the aforementioned churches. These contributions will play a vital role in combating hunger locally and globally, providing support and sustenance to those who need it most.