“When we walk together, we take a public stand against the injustices that abound in our food system and the contrived barriers that keep many families from overcoming poverty.” – Access of West Michigan

Around the world, 795 million people face hunger every day. Extreme poverty, environmental disaster, inadequate food systems, and unemployment prevent people from receiving a sufficient amount of food. Malnutrition and starvation are very real problems for much of the world’s population.

On May 7, hundreds of people will join together and stand against the realities of local and global hunger by participating in Access of West Michigan’s 40th Annual Hunger Walk. World Renew is proud to have a team taking part in this event.

Two of these walkers will be Jackson Smits and Colton Vanderhoning, 8th graders from Byron Center Christian School who are heading up team World Renew this year. They decided to do something to fight against the hunger that is common in too many communities around the world.

The Hunger Walk began in 1977 and over the past 39 years has raised over $6 million for local and international non-profit organizations. This 5K walk through downtown Grand Rapids raises awareness and financial support for 20 different non-profits while engaging the community of west Michigan. World Renew is one of its global partners and beneficiaries.

The theme of the 40th Anniversary Access Hunger Walk is Celebration and Solidarity. This year, their goal is to raise $110,000 and have over 1,000 walkers.

Two of these walkers will be Jackson Smits and Colton Vanderhoning, 8th graders from Byron Center Christian School who are heading up team World Renew this year. One of their social studies assignments was to identify a problem in the world and to figure out how God could use them to help solve it. They decided to do something to fight against the hunger that is common in too many communities around the world.

Jackson and Colton have currently raised about 65% of their fundraising goal. In their fundraising message, they write, “We are hoping that by doing this we can help even just one family overcome hunger so they don’t have to wake up and wonder how they are going to eat for the day.” Click here to read the rest of Jackson and Colton’s message and to support Team World Renew!

If you want to participate, it’s not too late to sign up for the Hunger Walk and join Team World Renew! Access of West Michigan is still recruiting walkers and volunteers. This event will take place on May 7, beginning at Park Church in Grand Rapids. Before the walk there will be live music, kid’s activities, and food. Click here for more information on how to get involved.

World Renew believes that everyone has the chance to make a difference in this world. Please consider joining our community to raise money and awareness for local and global poverty.