EVERETT, MARCH 11: The 2nd annual Volunteers of America of Western Washington (VOAWW) March Against Hunger 5K race will help raise funds and donations for the Everett Community Food Bank, which has seen an increase in people in need.
“Our food banks are seeing stark increases in people needing aid. For example, in January, we served 8,837 individuals, a 12% increase from December,” VOAWW Development Associate Michael Tanner wrote in an email. “Compared to January 2023, this represents a 71% increase in the number of individuals coming to us for help.”
The VOAWW became involved with the March Against Hunger Campaign in 1999 to help increase the visibility and impact of the project. Last year, they decided to incorporate a 5K race – something the VOAWW had never done before.
“We learned how to organize and put one [5K fundraiser] together and last year over 100 participants came out on one of the rainiest days of the year,” Tanner wrote.
Last year the fundraiser raised $3,000 and collected more than 150 pounds of food.
This year’s race will begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, March 29 at the Lowell Riverfront Trail. Race tickets offer timed and untimed options for adults and are $35. Youth 13-17 are also able to register at $25.
“It’s a beautiful run that is mostly flat and mostly paved so it’s great for people looking to improve their running time or wanting just a casual walk for a good cause,” Tanner wrote.
The March Against Hunger Campaign originated more than 25 years ago with Valerie Davis-Butler, a Snohomish County employee who wanted to help fight hunger in the community, Tanner wrote.
This year the VOAWW is trying to raise $5,000 for the food bank. Participants are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food items to the race for the food bank. The VOAWW cannot accept expired or damaged items.
The VOAWW received a matching grant from the EverTrust Foundation for this year’s fundraiser. EverTrust will match every $100 or more donation to the Everett Community Food Bank, up to $25,000.
“Our biggest challenge is the decline in both monetary and in-kind food donations. Rising costs for groceries, housing, and other essentials have impacted individuals and families at all economic levels, leaving fewer resources to share,” Tanner wrote.
You can register online until Friday, March 28. Day-of registration will also be available.
If someone wants to get involved, the VOAWW is still looking for volunteers. For more information see their volunteer site – https://volunteer.voaww.org/.
