CROP hunger walk returns to SUNY Cortland

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

The SUNY Cortland community is invited to participate in the 29th annual Cortland CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 22, 2023. The walk will begin at 12:30 p.m. at Grace and Holy Spirit Church, 13 Court St., in downtown Cortland.

The CROP Hunger Walk is a community event that raises money for global and domestic disaster relief, agricultural development, refugee resettlement, and emergency food aid. Last year, the Cortland CROP Hunger Walk raised over $12,000, with about $7,000 coming from the SUNY Cortland community.

Organizers of the Cortland CROP Hunger Walk are hoping to get even more students involved this year, as the global need for food assistance continues to increase. "With worldwide conflicts, COVID-19, climate shocks, and global inflation, more than 345 million people around the world are at risk of starvation," said Jim Miller, the local CROP walk coordinator.

The Cortland CROP Hunger Walk will include one- or three-mile routes starting in downtown Cortland. All members of the Cortland community are encouraged to participate, including students, SUNY Cortland employees, and residents of Cortland and surrounding areas.

The event usually attracts a good turnout from student groups. "Several sororities, varsity and club sport teams, and various other student groups join the competition for one of five Golden Sneaker plaques to be given out for fundraising bragging rights," said Miller.

As always, 25 percent of the funds raised will return to the local community to support food pantries and feeding programs, including the SUNY Cortland Cupboard campus food pantry. The rest of the donations are distributed by Church World Service, a nondenominational coalition of religious organizations that has been holding CROP Hunger Walks all over the world since 1969.

To register for the Cortland CROP Hunger Walk, visit the local walk's website. In-person sign-up will also be available on the day of the walk.

For more information, to donate or form a team, visit the Cortland CROP Hunger Walk website.

Every little bit helps! By participating in the Cortland CROP Hunger Walk, you can help to make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling to get enough to eat.