Food insecurity is defined as the state of, or risk of, being unable to provide food for yourself. Unbelievably, people in the United States experience food insecurity every day. As of 2015, the hunger fight is still not over. Some people living in Southwest Florida, our own neighbors, experience this unfortunate situation.
The fight is still not over, which is why it’s time for the WINK News Feeds Families 7th annual Hunger Walk. This walk will benefit our own Florida Gulf Coast University Campus Food Pantry and the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.
Ever since 1983, when the Harry Chapin Food Bank was opened, this foundation has fought hunger in Southwest Florida. The food comes from growers, community food drives, distributors and retailers. This food is then distributed to partner agencies and through Harry Chapin Food Bank programs to people in need. FGCU Campus Pantry is one of the partner agencies for the HCFB. FGCU Campus Pantry serves the students in need.
According to the official HCFB webpage, the partner agencies serve more than 30,000 people monthly, and the HCFB distributed 18.7 million pounds of food in 2013 and 2014.
Jo Anna Bradshaw, first lady of FGCU and a volunteer for the FGCU Food Pantry, is one of the leaders of the FGCU Cares team for the hunger walk.
“I believe everybody should care about people who are experiencing food insecurity, this is a real issue.” Bradshaw said. “Being hungry is not something you can control. You wake up and you’re hungry. Our fellow human beings need us.”
Bradshaw explained this cause is extremely important for her. “I am passionate to help those who are in unfortunate situations. This cause is the one I’m most serious about nowadays,” Bradshaw said.
The walk will take place in Miromar Outlets on Jan. 17. Anybody who is interested in participating can register at here. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will start at 9:30 am.
Bradshaw encourages everybody to go to the hunger walk. “This walk is about getting people together — not only FGCU faculty, staff and students, but also their friends and family and other volunteers — to fight hunger,” Bradshaw said.
“It’s roughly two miles. It’s not a competitive walk. It’s more about raising money than competing,” Bradshaw said.
Bradshaw stated this walk is the Harry Chapin Food Bank’s main fundraising event. “Supporting this cause is worthy and necessary.” Bradshaw said.
