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Date: 10/3/2023
AMHERST — Hiking enthusiasts who wish to get outdoors and help raise money for the fight against food insecurity can take part throughout the month of October in the fourth annual Hike for Hunger.
“Hike for Hunger is a really wonderful month-long fundraising event that gives folks the opportunity to get outside and be active either individually or in teams while raising money to support the food security of our neighbors,” said Lev BenEzra, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center.
Participants set their own hiking and fundraising goals over the course of the month and can choose their own locations and schedules.
“There are other hiking options for people to choose from,” BenEzra said. “We do have several three-group hikes that are available for folks to sign up for if they want to meet new people and get to know some new trails.”
With either option, hikers can then reach out to friends and family as well as other contacts to ask for contributions along the way much like other peer to peer fundraising events.
“This event is really coming at a time when we are really needing financial support from the community more than ever, “BenEzra said. “We are seeing demand for our food and nutrition programs rise, especially in our food pantry.”
BenEzra said use of the food pantry is by far exceeding the highest peaks seen during the coronavirus pandemic.
“With the current costs of food, housing and other necessities far outpacing wages for many, we are seeing record numbers of people turning to the Amherst Survival Center each month to help make ends meet,” BenEzra said. “Our goal is to make healthy food accessible to all who need it, by offering free groceries onsite and via home delivery, by providing prepared meals here and to-go, providing more fresh produce, milk and eggs each month, and ensuring we have lots of variety for people to choose from to meet their family’s needs.”
Proceeds from the event support the Amherst Survival Center’s food and nutrition programs including food pantry, community meals and daily produce distribution.
In the last year, the center provided 1.3 million meals and groceries for nearly 8,600 people, far outpacing previous years.
The center is always seeking financial donors. Volunteers and those wanting to participate in food drives.
The Hike for Hunger is supported by 15 local sponsors including Mt. Toby Sponsors, Adventure East, Mt. Tom Sponsors, Amherst Innovative Living, Greenfield Cooperative Bank and Provisions.
“We are so lucky to have such amazing business partners, both for this event and throughout the year,” BenEzra said. “Their support scales the impact of this event, ensuring we can get more food to more people.”
Registration is currently open and participants can sign up throughout October for $25, which includes a 2023 Hike for Hunger sling bag. Participants will also have a chance to earn Hike for Hunger swag and prizes.
For those who do register, Adventure East is sponsoring optional group hikes that will be led by the folks at Kestrel Land Trust. One will take place at Mount Norwottuck on Oct 1 and one at the Silvio O. Conte Nature Trail on Oct 14. There will also be a final group hike and celebration on Mt. Sugarloaf on Oct. 28.
More information can be found at amherstsurvival.org/hikeforhunger.