By Judy O’Gorman Alvarez
RED BANK – Students, seniors and everyone in between will be taking to the streets once again for the 36th Red Bank CROP Walk on World Food Day Sunday, Oct. 16.
The Red Bank CROP Hunger Walk, a fall tradition has kept families, schools and individuals marching to the mantra of “ending hunger one step at a time.” The 5-mile walk raises funds to support programs in Monmouth County, and global programs around the world.
The walk will step off at Red Bank Regional High School, 101 Ridge Road in Little Silver, at 2 p.m.; registration is at 1 p.m.
Last year the Red Bank CROP Walk raised $116,000 and collected 10,000 pounds of food. “This year’s goal is to raise $120,000 and collect 12,000 pounds of food.
“Being faithful to our partners – the food pantries and the soup kitchens – is our goal, and for that we need the support of our wonderful two river communities,” said Janie Schildge, walk coordinator. “They gather together, raise funds, and bring in food each October for this big event – Red Bank CROP Hunger Walk.”
In the past 36 years, the list of Red Bank CROP Walk supporters has grown from 15 faith groups in 1981 to include more than 80 faith groups, more than 30 schools, 15 partner agencies, and more than 20 sponsors and other community groups.
CROP Walk’s food collection team works to collect food for more than two dozen local Monmouth County food pantries, including Lunch Break, Aslan Youth Ministries, Calico Cat and more.
Sheila Alfano and Eileen Betz, sisters who have worked with CROP Walk’s food collection for many years, are working with Vicky Smith and Joe Lotito, who will be taking over the food collection role.
This year’s walk, the fifth largest CROP Walk in the U.S., will feature a Stroller Brigade for the littlest participants on wheels and Musicians on a Mission who will provide live music.
Participants are encouraged to bring nutritional easy-to-keep foods for local pantries – rice, beans and/or peanut butter – on walk day.
“It is so important to appreciate what each of us has and be grateful for our security, our homes, and our plentiful food supply and water resources,” Schildge said. “Restocking pantry shelves is a good reminder of these blessings.”
For more information or to register, visit redbankcropwalk.com.
