Crop walk raises money for organizations addressing hunger
More than 100 people walked through Longmont neighborhoods Sunday afternoon to raise money for organizations tackling hunger — and with the hope their signs might spark conversations.
“We believe strongly in helping to feed people who are hungry,” said Joan Magel, a member of the social action committee at Boulder’s Congregation Bonai Shalom. “We can go through neighborhoods with our signs, and people will ask what’s going on.”
The Boulder County CROP Hunger walk is in its 36th year. So far, this year’s walk has raised about $23,000. Donations will continue to be accepted through December, with a goal of collecting $30,000.
About 75% of the money raised will go to CROP Walk founder Church World Service, while 1% goes to advocacy group Bread for the World. Church World Service began the walk after World War II in response to hunger in the United States and abroad.
“They’re a strong advocate for those suffering from poverty and hunger,” said Boulder County Crop Walk organizer Phil Goerner.
The rest of the money raised will go to Community Food Share, the food bank for Boulder and Broomfield counties.
Last year, Community Food Share distributed nearly 13 million pounds of food. The demand for food increased 30% during the pandemic and has largely stayed steady at that level, said Community Food Share Outreach Coordinator Kyl Caragol.
“It’s critical we remember these numbers are all people, family and friends,” he said.
Most of those who walk are members of the 17 participating Boulder County congregations. The location of the walk varies, but this year it started at the Heart of Longmont Church. Walkers could choose between a longer 5-mile route or a shorter 2-mile loop through the historic east neighborhoods of Longmont.
“It’s an interfaith group,” Goerner said.
“We all want to help those suffering from poverty and hunger. I think it’s fabulous.”
Dale Echnoz and his wife are regular volunteers with Longmont’s Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement, or HOPE, and belong to Heart of Longmont Church.
“I was just glad to have something else I could do to help out with the hunger situation,” he said.
Amelia Richardson Dress, pastor at United Church of Christ Longmont, said she likes the hopefulness of the walk.
“Raising awareness is a big part of it,” she said. “There’s more need in the community. People are hungry at more than Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
Bill Good, a member of the Mountain View United Methodist congregation, walked with his daughters, 13-year-old Annie and 9-year-old Julia.
“I’m setting an example for my daughters to show how a community can come together to stand up for hunger rights and help people have the food they need,” he said.