APPALACHIA – (Sept. 26, 2023) Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Grateful Bread Food Pantry partnered with local schools, businesses, and community organizations to spotlight food insecurity in Eastern Kentucky through the annual Hunger Walk which is held each September as part of Hunger Action Month. This year’s event collected 8,566 pounds of food which will be used to help families in need in CAP’s service area.

“Food insecurity is an issue that many families deal with throughout the year,” said Guy Adams, CAP’s president/CEO. “We are blessed that the community supports this initiative each September to spotlight this issue, raise awareness, and make a real difference for their neighbors.”

In Appalachia, 19.7% of people lack affordable, nutritious food. Hunger Walk supports CAP’s pantries in Rockcastle, McCreary, and Magoffin Counties. This annual event is sponsored by Texas Roadhouse and Hunt Brothers Pizza. Funds generated from the Hunger Walk help provide food for children and their families through CAP’s weekend food backpack program for students as well as pantry boxes for families in need. “Some students take food from the lunchroom to take home to their siblings or other family members,” said Lily Hensley, a fifth grader at Brodhead Elementary School, who spoke at the walk in Mount Vernon. “Hunger is a problem in our community that many of us don’t realize is happening, but we can help solve this problem. You just have to be willing to help.”

A special addition to community events was the Hunger Bowl hosted by Rockcastle County High School and sponsored by Momentum Courier. During halftime, Sam Hamilton, founder and president of Momentum Courier, donated $1,000 to Grateful Bread Food Pantry to support Hunger Walk. Additional community events were held in Prestonsburg and Whitley City. In Fayette County, students from both campuses of Lexington Christian Academy participated in Hunger Walk for the third year with a walk and food drive.

It’s not too late to help CAP fight hunger and feed hope. Donations and food collection will continue through the end of September. More information can be found at www.christianapp.org/hungerwalk.