Reviving the CROP Walk: A Community's Effort to Fight Food Insecurity

In the heart of Penn Township, a dedicated group of individuals is working tirelessly to revive the annual CROP Walk, a fundraiser that has long been a beacon of hope in the fight against food insecurity. Led by high school senior Daniel Stones, this community-driven initiative aims to not only raise funds but also to inspire a lasting commitment to the cause.

Empowering the Community to Make a Lasting Impact

Rebuilding Momentum After the Pandemic

The CROP Walk, hosted by First United Church of Christ in Harrison City, has been a staple in the community for years, drawing as many as 75 walkers to raise money for local and global efforts to combat hunger. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll, with attendance dwindling to less than a dozen participants. Undeterred, Daniel Stones, a senior at Penn-Trafford High School, has taken on the challenge of reviving the event through his Eagle Scout project.Stones' approach is multifaceted, focusing not only on increasing participation in the immediate future but also on building a sustainable foundation for the CROP Walk's long-term success. He is actively reaching out to local churches, forging relationships and encouraging them to continue supporting the event in the years to come. By fostering this sense of community ownership, Stones aims to ensure that the CROP Walk remains a fixture in the area, even after his involvement in Scouts has ended.

Leveraging Community Partnerships

Recognizing the power of collaboration, Stones is leveraging the support of local churches to amplify the impact of the CROP Walk. He is visiting a new church each Sunday, spreading the word and inspiring parishioners to participate. With the financial backing of these community partners, Stones and the organizers of the event are aiming to raise a remarkable $10,000 this year.The funds raised through the CROP Walk will have a far-reaching impact, with 75% of the proceeds supporting the global efforts of Christian World Service, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing hunger and poverty worldwide. The remaining 25% will directly benefit the Trafford-Level Green Christian Food Bank in Trafford and the St. Barbara Catholic Church Food Bank in Harrison City, ensuring that the local community also reaps the rewards of this collective effort.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Volunteers

As a frequent volunteer at local food banks, Daniel Stones has witnessed firsthand the pressing need for support in his community. With a deep understanding of the issue, he is committed to not only raising funds but also inspiring others to get involved. By leveraging his role as an Eagle Scout, Stones is setting an example for his peers, demonstrating the power of civic engagement and the transformative impact that can be achieved through collective action.Stones' dedication to the CROP Walk extends beyond the immediate event, as he recognizes the importance of cultivating a long-term commitment to the cause. By building relationships with local churches and encouraging their continued participation, Stones is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future, where the CROP Walk remains a vital part of the community's efforts to combat food insecurity.

Addressing the Growing Need for Food Assistance

The urgency of the CROP Walk's mission is underscored by the sobering statistics on food insecurity in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 18 million households faced food insecurity in 2023, a staggering increase of 1 million households from the previous year. This represents the highest rate of food insecurity since 2014, highlighting the pressing need for initiatives like the CROP Walk to provide vital support to those in need.As the community rallies behind the CROP Walk, the impact of their collective efforts will extend far beyond the immediate event. By raising funds, raising awareness, and inspiring sustained engagement, the organizers and volunteers are playing a crucial role in addressing the growing crisis of food insecurity, both locally and globally.