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Date: 4/25/2023
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The CROP Hunger Walk will be spotlighted locally at First Church West Springfield’s 108 Park St. location on April 30 at 1:30 p.m. The national movement unites community members under the singular cause of curbing rising food insecurity rates.
When signing up for the walk, participants can choose between embarking on a 1-, 2- or 3-mile journey. Food and entertainment also accompany the event, with attendees and the community at large encouraged to donate to the cause at events.crophungerwalk.org/2023.
Originating in 1947, the CROP Hunger Walk aims to suppress food insecurity locally and worldwide. The food pantry at the Parish Cupboard, which serves both Agawam and West Springfield, will be the local partner for the walk, receiving roughly 25% of the total funds raised. The rest benefits those struggling with food availability in third-world countries.
Nearly $500,000 has already been raised nationally for this year’s event from 6,249 donors.
Feeding Hills Congregational Church member Linda Heinze continues to serve as the church’s team leader for the event. Over her 25 years at the church, she continues to serve as a crucial volunteer as a treasurer and secretary.
“I do a lot of different things for the church,” said Heinze.
Heinze said she began participating in the CROP Walk for her church 15 years ago, with the organization taking part in the charitable drive for as long as she can remember. The event represents one of the different avenues church members embrace to benefit the community.
“Our church has been pretty active with its membership in the community,” said Heinze.
For the local CROP Hunger Walk, Heinze shared that the local Lions Clubs are partnering to help serve attendees hot dogs, chips and beverages. Raffles and activities for children will also take place.
“They have some raffles, and they usually have fun things for the kids to do. They have been doing rock painting over the last couple of years. People seem to enjoy it,” said Heinze.
One of the unique features of the local CROP Hunger Walk is the inclusion of a storybook walk. Heinze said the one-mile walk option includes the story to accompany participants’ journeys.
“Around the 1-mile walk, the storybook will be there for people to read. It will be very exciting. ... It is a very positive and uplifting story,” said Heinze.
Heinze shared that people participating in the walk are “very excited” to make a positive difference. In addition, she said they appreciate the CROP Hunger Walk’s ability to have a regional and worldwide impact.
“It does help locally and also helps worldwide. It is a twofer — you are helping everybody,” said Heinze.
Heinze encourages anyone interested in the CROP Hunger Walk to participate by attending the event or donating online. Registration takes place for the walk until 1 p.m. the day of the walk. Donors can also join in the festivities without having to walk the course.
“People can donate to those that are walking, or you can walk. Everyone can participate one way or another,” said Heinze.