CROP Hunger walk participant signs a Bread for the World petition to President Obama asking him to set a goal and work with Congress on a plan to end hunger in the United States and abroad. Photo: Robin Stephenson/Bread for the World
As originally posted on Bread for the World’s Bread Blog:
http://blog.bread.org/2013/04/educate-and-advocate-portlands-crop-walk.html
Ending hunger takes a village. Churches, non-profits, and faithful individuals respond to hunger in different ways. Holistic approaches to fighting hunger acknowledge immediate need while also advocating for changes to policies that address the root causes of hunger and poverty.
CROP Hunger Walks, community-wide events sponsored by CWS and organized by local volunteers as a way to raise funds to end hunger, illustrate that action and advocacy can join forces in one event.
Last Sunday, Church World Service, Bread for the World, and the Portland, Ore., community came together around the issue of hunger. Nearly 100 participants, old and young—some participating as congregational teams—walked through sunny downtown Portland on a spring day. The walkers, who carried banners and hand-made signs, raised awareness of hunger and drew questions from others enjoying the warm afternoon.
Volunteer Lisa Wenzlick coordinated the walkers, and Steven Anderson served as treasurer. First Christian Church provided hospitality as well as a starting and ending point. Participants raised funds which will be used support local efforts to address hunger as well as CWS’s global work.
The day was rounded out with an advocacy action on behalf of hungry and poor people as individuals signed Bread for the World’s petition asking the president to set a goal and work with Congress on a plan to end hunger in the United States and abroad.
Bread for the World has long had a close relationship with CWS and many CROP Walks nationwide are a reflection of this partnership.
If you would like to get involved, find out if there is a CROP Hunger Walk near you or learn how you can organize one in your community.
Robin Stephenson is national social media lead and senior regional organizer, western hub, at Bread for the World.