September is #HungerActionMonth — and two ways you can help is to participate in Hunger Hike…and to GO ORANGE!
Put on your finest orange shirt, pants or accessories for Hunger Hike & Hunger Action Month — and share a photo of yourself on social media. Tell others about the fight to end hunger using the hashtags #HungerHike, #HungerActionMonth, and #EndHungerNow.
Some people believe that hunger isn’t an issue in America. But that simply isn’t true. Every county in the United States struggles with food insecurity. According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 Hoosiers struggle with hunger. Among Hoosier children, the number is 1 in 6. Learn about hunger in our community, click HERE.
In July, Food Finders Food Bank experienced a 70% increase in visits to their Fresh Market Community Food Pantry over the same time last year
In the first half of the year, Lafayette Urban Ministry saw a 36% jump in visits to their food pantry over 2021. The number of new food pantry clients went up 123%, and they saw a 33% increase in visits to their emergency shelter.
Food insecure adults are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure. They are also more likely to report mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, and poor general health. Seniors who are food insecure have a decreased capacity to maintain independence with aging.
Children who face hunger are more likely to struggle in school and experience developmental setbacks. Kids who struggle to get enough to eat also face higher risks of health conditions like anemia and asthma.
In addition to decreased intellectual and emotional development and poor academic performance, children living in food insecure households are at higher risk of poor physical and mental health. They are substantially more likely to be diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, asthma, mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, cognitive impairment, and behavioral disorders. They are also at higher risk of being hospitalized. These health problems and the resulting time demands placed on caregivers impact the ability of caregivers to maintain stable employment.
Seniors struggling with hunger often have to make the difficult decision between paying for rent, medication, or transportation and food.
For seniors, lack of access to healthy foods, or even a stable diet, can lead to life threatening medical conditions, such as disability, deteriorating health/ mental health conditions, serious infections, lengthy hospitalization, and malnutrition. The number one health condition caused by food insecurity among seniors is clinical (severe/major) depression. For more information on senior hunger, read The State of Senior Hunger
In Celebration of the Hunger Hike 30th Anniversary
In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Hunger Hike, a new brand & logo has been created and unveiled.
HUNGER – To represent “hunger” and solidarity, two elements were included: a bowl and a heart (shape similar to bread)
HIKE – The bowl is joined with a shoe print, referencing the “hike” or walk
MOVEMENT – The typography is in italics, this gives a feeling of mobility that is reinforced by the letter “k”
SOLIDARITY – The delicacy of an act of solidarity combined with the strength of athletics (represented in the typography)
TRUST – The color blue symbolizes trust, health, and protection, which is ideal for an event of solidarity
The artist, Florencia Moreira from M-Design (Argentina), shared that, “You can see here the elements that came together to form the new brand & logo. The footprints (walk/hike) were combined with the bowl (hunger & food) and the heart (shape similar to bread) as a symbol of love and solidarity.” The Hunger Hike team is thrilled to unveil this new look in all of its promotions — including this year’s commemorative Hunger Hike T-shirt.
Coach Mitchell & Coach Gearlds and Wes Tillett, executive director, Lafayette Urban Ministry; Kier Crites Muller, chief engagement officer, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.; & Duane Sellers, St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry
Two prominent Purdue coaches announced this week that they will be teaming up with Hunger Hike to join the Fight Against Hunger.
This year’s Honorary Hunger Hike Co-chairs are Coach Katie Gearlds (women’s basketball) & Coach Jason Mitchell (rowing & crew). Both are passionate about the importance of Hunger Hike, the power of coming together as a community to Fight Hunger, and the value of Purdue students understanding the issues facing their university community. They issued a challenge to start fundraising now and to exceed this year’s goal of raising $100,000.
Coach Mitchell & Coach Gearlds, the 2022 Hunger Hike Co-chairs, are pictured (L to R seated) with the representatives from the three sponsoring organizations (pictured standing L to R) Wes Tillett, executive director, Lafayette Urban Ministry; Kier Crites Muller, chief engagement officer, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.; & Duane Sellers, St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry. Each shared how vital this annual fundraiser is to funding the food programs necessary to addressing the current needs of the families — locally, regionally and abroad. To learn more about Coach Mitchell & Coach Gearlds, click HERE.
Hunger Hike will take place at Riehle Plaza (Lafayette, IN) on Sunday, September 18. For more information on how you can begin fundraising for Hunger Hike, please go to the official website — hungerhike.org.
Hunger Hike is coming soon. Why not get started NOW? Here’s what you need to know to begin raising money and “fighting hunger.”
Hunger Hike is an annual community fundraising event whose mission is to Raise Awareness & Make a Difference in the Fight Against Hunger — locally, regionally & globally. Hunger Hike (Celebration & 1.5K Walk) event details are as follows:
Hunger Hike is the perfect event for a team or group — church group, student organization, civic group or your family. Put together a Hunger Hike team and start raising money using our online fundraising site — or any way you choose. We hope you’ll consider joining our Fight against Hunger.
Hunger Hike is coming soon. Why not get started NOW? Here’s what you need to know to begin raising money and “fighting hunger.”
Hunger Hike is an annual community fundraising event whose mission is to Raise Awareness & Make a Difference in the Fight Against Hunger — locally, regionally & globally. Hunger Hike (Celebration & 1.5K Walk) event details are as follows:
Hunger Hike is the perfect event for a team or group — church group, student organization, civic group or your family. Put together a Hunger Hike team and start raising money using our online fundraising site — or any way you choose. We hope you’ll consider joining our Fight against Hunger.
Planning for Hunger Hike 2022 has begun — and all indications suggest it may be needed now more than ever. Did you know…
Food prices increased 7.9 percent since 2021
Food insecurity has increased among families with children and communities of color due to COVID-19
Rural communities are especially hard hit by hunger
Many households that experience food insecurity do not qualify for federal nutrition programs
Hunger in African American, Latino, and Native American communities is higher in large part due to systemic racial injustice (Source: Feeding America)
Hunger Hike is a community fundraising event whose mission is to Raise Awareness & Make a Difference in the Fight Against Hunger — locally, regionally, & globally. Hunger Hike is open to participants of all ages and abilities who share a common goal: Fighting Hunger! Mark your calendars (Sunday, September 18, 1 p.m.), check out the Hunger Hike website, recruit your team, and begin planning your fundraising. Your participation will have a much needed positive impact on eliminating hunger.
Hunger Hike is a perfect fundraising event for your group — student organization, church group, civic group, team or family. Put together a Hunger Hike team and start raising money using our online fundraising site — or any other way you choose.
All Hunger Hike proceeds directly support the Lafayette Urban Ministry food assistance programs including the two LUM Food Pantries; Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.; and St. Thomas Aquinas’ Haitian Ministry. This is YOUR opportunity to support these outstanding local organizations while engaging in a meaningful and fun community event.
We hope you’ll consider joining our Fight against Hunger. Here’s how to get started:
If you are a business owner — you also may become a Hunger Hike sponsor. For more information on how to become 2022 Event Sponsor, email hungerhike@lumserve.org.
Josh Prokopy, Hunger Hike director; Duane Sellers representing St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry; Wes Tillett, Lafayette Urban Ministry; and Kier Crites, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.
At a private celebration, it was announced that the Hunger Hike 2021 raised $122,186.19. For the second year in a row, Hunger Hike generated a recording breaking amount. At the event, Josh Prokopy, Hunger Hike director, presented checks to representatives of the three sponsoring organizations: Duane Sellers representing St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry; Wes Tillett, Lafayette Urban Ministry; and Kier Crites, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. (pictured above L to R). Each of the sponsoring organizations received $34,922.23. These funds are already working to fight hunger and give food assistance to families & individuals locally, regionally and in Haiti — and giving hope to those in need during this difficult time.
Mark your calendars for Hunger Hike 2022. It’s scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, September 18. If you wish to make a donation to Hunger Hike 2022, click the button below. If you are interested in becoming a Hunger Hike 2022 event sponsor, email info@hungerhike.org.
Hunger Hike 2021 returned to Riehle Plaza in downtown Lafayette (IN) this past Sunday, September 19, and was a tremendous success. The outdoor kickoff event began with a blessing by the Rev. Dr. Hilary Cooke, a spirited cheer from the Purdue Cheerleaders & Purdue Pete, and live music from Briton Weise (former LUM staff member). The US National Anthem was sung by Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker & her daughter, Kelly Jacobs. In addition, there was a DJ, face-painting, balloon animals, clowns, and enchanted princesses.
In attendance and offering support (pictured above) were local religious leaders and dignitaries including Indiana State Representative Chris Campbell, West Lafayette City Clerk Sana Booker, and West Lafayette City Council member Kathy Parker. Hunger Hike co-chairs, Purdue Coaches Nate Walker & Katie Gearlds made an appearance.
Purdue Pete, Purdue Cheerleaders, and the Purdue Crew Team led the hikers up the Wabash Heritage Trail along the Wabash River. In addition to strict safety and health protocols, participants were offered water and chips. {To view the local news story, click HERE.} For 29 years, Hunger Hike has brought much needed attention — and raised more than $2.2 million — to overcome malnutrition, food insecurity & hunger locally, regionally & globally. So far this year, close to $110,000 has been raised. And YES! You still may donate to Hunger Hike, a Hunger Hike Team, or a “Hiker.” To donate by text, text HHIKE to 71777. Help Hunger Hike 2021 exceed last year’s total of $125,000.
Hunger Hike is one of longest running & well-respected fundraising events. Proceeds from Hunger Hike support the work of three local agencies – Lafayette Urban Ministry, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. & the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry. Hunger Hike is an opportunity to support these outstanding local organizations while being part of a meaningful community event. Thank you to all of our passionate participants & generous sponsors for another spirited (and safe) outdoor event. Go to HungerHike.org.
At a recent event, Hunger Hike announced the 2021 Honorary Co-chair — Nathan Walker, Purdue Rowing & Crew Team head coach.
Coach Walker was named head coach in July. He is a Purdue alumnus and before returning to Purdue most recently led the rowing program at Culver Academies. {Pictured L to R: Duane Sellers, St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry; Coach Nathan Walker; Katy Bunder, CEO/president, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.; and Wes Tillett, LUM executive director.}
Coach Walker shared that he is excited about Hunger Hike for three reason. First, the event raises money for vital food and nutrition programs and support. Second, as a Purdue student he participated in Hunger Hike and is honored to return in this new role. And lastly, he is proud to continue the tradition of engaging the Purdue rowing athletes in Hunger Hike, started by his former coach and predecessor, Coach Dave Kucik. Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, is thrilled that Coach Walker supports Hunger Hike, and the Purdue student athletes will continue to play an important role in the kick-off event on Riehle Plaza on Sunday, September 19.
