WS Chronicle

On Sunday, Oct. 20, thousands of neighbors throughout Forsyth County will gather at Corpening Plaza to walk downtown Winston-Salem for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County CROP Hunger Walk. Walkers will raise awareness and fundraise to support the work of Church World Service, Crisis Control Ministry and Sunnyside Ministry. Last year, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County CROP Hunger Walk was the 7th in the nation for funds raised, raising $95,317.03 to fight hunger.

For over 70 years Church World Service has been fighting the global food crisis by providing hunger relief projects in 60 countries. Most recently the organization helped farmers in Kenya improve their resilience by using technology to gather climate change information. Through this support, farmers can overcome challenges to their harvests and ensure that their community is fed. 

Church World Service is also responding to the emergency needs of communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. CWS is distributing 2,360 emergency cleanup buckets and 2,000 hygiene kits to partners in Florida. They continue to partner with local organizations to assess their needs.

Locally, Crisis Control Ministry and Sunnyside Ministry have seen an increase in the need for food assistance. Both organizations have shared that food donations coming into their ministries have decreased as well. “The cost of food continues to go up and neighbors are making tough choices between feeding their families and paying their rent,” said Abbey McCall, WS/FC CROP Hunger Walk committee chair. According to Feeding America, in 2022 the food insecurity rate in Forsyth County was 14.5%, an increase from 11.6% a year earlier. 

The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County CROP Hunger Walk begins on Oct. 20 at 2:30 p.m. The 1.4-mile walk starts and ends at Corpening Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem. Walkers will go through Old Salem and back up the strollway over Salem Parkway. There will be educational stops along the walk route to educate walkers about the global social issues of hunger, education, health care, and access to clean water. 

Community members can register online at crophungerwalk.org/winstonsalemnc. You can join a walk team or start your own! This is a wonderful community activity for families and faith communities, as well as businesses or other organizations.  

Together, we can address the needs of those experiencing hunger by building global resilience!