These CROP Walk participants hiked one of two routes through the Village of Owego last year in an effort to fight global and local hunger. Their efforts helped raise $7,717.89.
As the New Year begins, local church groups are looking back at the final results of the 2014 Owego CROP Walk and celebrating generous contributions that will feed hungry neighbors in 2015.
Fourteen church-related groups participated in the October CROP Walk, along with youth from Owego Free Academy, as well as others who walked to raise over $7,700 to fight world hunger. Twenty-five percent of that total stays in our local community, while the rest strengthens the many hunger-related programs of the ecumenical Church World Service organization. The Owego walk is one of hundreds held each fall throughout the United States.
Local food pantries benefitting from the CROP Walk locally include Tioga County Rural Ministry, the Open Door Mission, Lounsberry Food Pantry, Spencer Food Cupboard, Allied Christians of Tioga (ACT) which serves a weekly free meal in Owego, and Catholic Charities/Tioga Food Pantry.
Among the estimated 125 walkers, there was some friendly competition. Traditionally the Owego Presbyterian and United Methodist churches challenge each other to raise more money.
On Sunday, Jan. 11, this year’s winners, the Presbyterians will be served refreshments after worship by the Methodists. The First Presbyterian Union Church total contribution toward the walk topped $3,200.
Many who walked also appreciated a new addition to the CROP Walk’s program. Several participants signed letters to New York’s U.S. Senators urging their support of the Food for Peace Reform Act of 2014. Advocacy, direct aid, and development programs are an effective threefold strategy for fighting world hunger.
For more information, contact Jeff Kellam by email to jeffkellam@stny.rr.com.
