This year’s Ann Arbor CROP Hunger Walk — a walk to end hunger and poverty — will be on October 6, with registration at 1pm and a send-off ceremony at 2pm at Zion Lutheran Church. There are special events this year since it is the Ann Arbor CROP Walk’s 50th anniversary.
“This year is the 50th Anniversary of the Ann Arbor CROP Walk,” Mary Pratt, co-chair of the event, said. “We have T-shirts for the first 100 walkers to sign up online. Special speakers for the send-off will be Ann Arbor Mayor Chris Taylor and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. We are also recognizing Sen. Debbie Stabenow for her many years of efforts to address some of the causes of hunger and poverty in this country. EMU (Eastern Michigan University) Choir will perform.”
CROP Hunger walks are all organized locally with communities throughout the entire nation and headed by the Church World Service (CWS). The Crop project has its roots in farmers giving food and seed crops to hungry neighbors in 1947, after World War II in Europe and Asia. Later, in 1969, walking events like the one on October 6 were organized to support CROP.
According to Pratt, CROP Walk addresses hunger issues in this area and worldwide. 25% of the money raised goes to local agencies addressing hunger issues. 75% goes to Church World Service for national and international hunger and disaster relief, and to help refugees.
“We are hoping for about 200 walkers this year — our numbers have been growing over the last few years but have averaged 100 to 150,” Pratt said.
Churches, schools and faith communities in Ann Arbor and surrounding communities are invited to participate.
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“Hunger is often related to peace and justice issues,” Pratt said. “Conflict creates poverty, homelessness, refugee crisis and lack of resources. Providing food, shelter and resources can restore justice to the victims.”
The CROP walk is more than just a gathering of people in a place. Participants are part of a movement, taking steps and raising funds together to provide meals for those in our own community who need them and help programs that create more food security in communities everywhere.
“Walking with friends and others committed to a cause can create a feeling of working together for a common good,” Pratt said. “This is why so many people participate every year.”
FedUp Ministries will provide food before and after the CROP Walk. They will also pack sanitary supplies for those experiencing period poverty during registration.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
