By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Community members interested in supporting Westside Food Bank will have the opportunity to do so at this year’s 32nd Annual 5K Hunger Walk—which returns in person on Sunday, October 16, after being virtual for two years.
“Our goal is to raise more than $125,000 to help provide nutritious food to people in need in west Los Angeles County,” according to a statement from the organization. “Every $1 donated during the event will provide four meals for the community.”
Westside Food Bank was founded in 1981 by the Westside Ecumenical Council and provides food to more than 150,000 people. The nonprofit has a mission to end hunger in area communities by providing access to free food and engaging the community to advocate for a strong food assistance network.
“Throughout the pandemic, we saw the need for food assistance in our service area drastically increase,” the statement continued. “Westside Food Bank’s food distribution more than doubled over the past two and a half years. However, the need remains record-high because of rising prices for food, fuel, housing and other basic needs.”
The walk will take place at Santa Monica’s Ocean View Park, located at 2701 Barnard Way, along Ocean Front Walk.
Registration and check-in will begin at 12 p.m., followed by live entertainment, activities, games, Family Fun Zone, raffle and awards ceremony at 1 p.m. At 2 p.m., the walk starts, with a Beach Bash After-Party (ticket purchase required for entry) to begin at 3:30 p.m.
“The Hunger Walk is Westside Food Bank’s signature event—we don’t hold an annual gala, so this is the main opportunity for our community to gather together and show support for our neighbors in need,” Westside Food Bank’s President and CEO Genevieve Riutort said in a statement. “We welcome people of all ages from those in strollers to those using walkers and everyone in-between—you can even bring your dog. I hope everyone in the community will come celebrate our return to an in-person event.”
A virtual version of the event will take place between October 8 and 16. Those who participate virtually will have multiple days to finish the 5K.
Each walker, whether in person or virtual, will receive a free T-shirt and swag bag for their participation.
Those not interested in participating but still looking to support can text WSFBHUNGER to 50155 to donate.
For more information or to sign up for free, visit wsfb.org/hunger-walk.
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