Harrison's Hunger Walk to raise awareness of food insecurity

A tradition for more than 40 years to help feed the needy will continue Sunday in Harrison.

The Hunger Walk will step off at 1 p.m. from Heights Plaza along Freeport Road.

Hosted by the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches (AVAC), the walk attracts about 50 people who traverse a flat course past Guardian Angels Parish, down to St. Barnabas Church in Brackenridge and back to the plaza.

The goal is to raise money for AVAC’s food bank, but the bigger mission is to raise awareness of hunger issues in the Alle-Kiski Valley, said Beth Kendra, administrative assistant.

“The pandemic impacted us a bit, but we are still going strong,” she said.

According to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the food insecurity rate for adults in Allegheny County is 13.1%. It is slightly higher for children, at 16.3%.

Karen Snair, AVAC executive director, said the annual event is more vital than ever because of rising food costs.

“We are seeing more families facing food insecurity,” Snair said.

First United Presbyterian Church of Tarentum is one of the supporting congregations of the fundraiser.

Pastor Phil Beck is a repeat participant who said the walk is a visible witness in the community of the support AVAC provides to people in need of food assistance.

“Not only are we raising money to help support the food bank, but the walk brings individuals and congregations together to show that we care about those who live in our community,” Beck said. “The walk is a sign of our commitment to helping those who are experiencing food insecurity.”

When it began decades ago, the fundraiser originally was called the Crop Walk, and participants trekked 10 miles across the Tarentum Bridge to New Kensington and Arnold before turning back.

This year, there will be refreshments served when walkers return to the plaza.

Registration is $15 but will be waived for people who solicit donations before the event.

For details, call 724-226-0606.