Hungry neighbors in need throughout Pierce County will receive more than 50,000 pounds of food as a result from the Pierce County Hunger Walk.

Emergency Food Network reports that 34% of households are low-income in Pierce County. In 2015, food banks and meal sites responded to 1.4 million visits from residents in need and more than 50% of people seeking assistance were working families with children as well as seniors. Each day, 10,000 citizens in the United Sates turn 65 and the number of people seeking food assistance in the age group will continue to grow. Through partnership with 70 food programs in Pierce County, Emergency Food Network provides a much needed safety net for these families and individuals in need.

This year’s Pierce County Hunger Walk marks a transition year where Associated Ministries will “pass the torch” to Emergency Food Network as the new host of this annual walk and run.

The two organizations have a long history of partnership starting with the inception of Emergency Food Network in 1982. Associated Ministries recognized a great need in the community to resource emergency food. Originally designed to meet a temporary need caused by the economic recession of the 1980’s, the Emergency Food Network program was created by Associated Ministries in partnership with other hunger relief efforts in the area. The need in the community continued to grow, so in response, Emergency Food Network became its own independent 501c3 non-profit organization.

“Emergency Food Network has been involved with the Hunger Walk since the very beginning,” said Helen McGovern-Pilant, Executive Director of Emergency Food Network. “This annual event contributes to the more than 16 million pounds of food we give out each year. We are excited to take the reins and strengthen our work through the continued success of the Pierce County Hunger Walk.”

The annual 10K/5K run and walk draws nearly a thousand participants each year who come together to combat hunger in Pierce County by walking, running, and fundraising – all while having a great time. Associated Ministries and Emergency Food Network have teamed up to co-host this year’s event on October 2 at Fort Steilacoom Park as the transition begins.

“This is a timely and important transition,” says Mike Yoder, Executive Director of Associated Ministries. “It will allow Associated Ministries to remain focused on raising funds and awareness for homelessness and housing, and Emergency Food Network on food security. In a sense we are ‘right-sizing’ the Hunger Walk, enabling it to live where it makes the most sense.”

In 2017, the transition will be complete with Emergency Food Network taking on the event in its entirety.

“The goal is to bring together all 70 hunger relief programs served by Emergency Food Network for a united voice to help our neighbors in need,” said, McGovern-Pilant.

For more information about the Pierce County Hunger Walk, please visit www.associatedministries.org/hungerwalk