While there have been economic improvements in Southern Arizona since the Great Recession — including a 4.2 percent increase in jobs here in the last year — there are still many children and families living with barely enough to eat.
Overall, about 30 percent of the children in Southern Arizona are considered food-insecure, said Michael McDonald, president of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
During the last year, McDonald said they have provided food assistance to approximately 187,000 Southern Arizona residents, the majority employed in low-wage jobs.
To help offset the cost of helping these families, the Community Food Bank is holding its 5th annual HungerWalk, Sept. 17, a 1.5-mile loop around Sam Lena Park at the intersection of East Ajo Way and South Country Club Road.
The event will include information about the food bank, a light breakfast, music and family activities. During the walk, participants will visit the food bank’s distribution warehouse where they can see first-hand where donations arrive, get sorted, and then go back out to the community to feed neighbors in need.
Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the walk begins at 8 a.m. All proceeds will stay at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and benefit all of its hunger assistance programs.
“This event is a fun and easy way to help us raise awareness about hunger in our community, as well as the funds needed to continue providing thousands of meals to people in need in Southern Arizona,” said Megan Black, special events coordinator for the Community Food Bank.
A Green Valley HungerWalk will be held the same day on the La Posada campus, at the corner of Continental Road and Park Center Avenue. This walk includes two options, either a 2.8-mile walk or a .8-mile option.
For more information on both events, visit hungerwalkarizona.org
