The Westside Food Bank's annual Hunger Walk is more than just a Sunday stroll along the picturesque Santa Monica beach. It's a powerful movement to address the ongoing hunger crisis in Los Angeles County, bringing the community together to raise awareness and funds for a vital cause. As the nonprofit organization gears up for its 34th edition, the event promises to be a day of celebration, solidarity, and a renewed commitment to ensuring no one goes hungry on the Westside.

A Beacon of Hope in the Fight Against Food Insecurity

Rallying the Community for a Crucial Cause

The Westside Food Bank's Hunger Walk is a testament to the power of community engagement. Starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, the event features pre-walk festivities, a 5K "course" along the picturesque Santa Monica beach, and a post-walk "Beach Bash After-Party" in partnership with sponsor Perry's Cafe. From free swag bags and a family fun zone to a raffle and silent auction, the organizers have pulled out all the stops to make this year's event a truly memorable experience.Genevieve Riutort, the President and CEO of the Westside Food Bank, is thrilled to see the community's continued support for the Hunger Walk. "It's really wonderful to see how much this event brings the community together," she says. "We get people who come year after year, as well as those who will be attending for the very first time. We're expecting a record turnout, and it just means so much that people want to come back and be a part of this event."

Addressing the Ongoing Hunger Crisis

The Hunger Walk comes at a crucial time, as food insecurity remains at an all-time high in Los Angeles County. The Westside Food Bank has ramped up its operations, more than doubling its efforts in the past year to meet the growing demand. However, Riutort acknowledges that the organization is struggling to keep up, as funding has decreased compared to the COVID-19 pandemic era."We're trying to cope with much more demand, both at our direct service pantries and at our member agencies, and we have fewer resources to do that with," Riutort explains. "Our operations have grown, but we're struggling to keep up."To tackle this challenge, the Westside Food Bank has partnered with the RAND Corporation to conduct a study on the "landscape of food insecurity" in Los Angeles County. The findings suggest that the organization may need to expand its reach to the south and east, targeting underserved areas in its efforts to combat hunger.

A Beacon of Hope and Accessibility

The Hunger Walk is more than just a fundraising event; it's a symbol of the Westside Food Bank's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Riutort emphasizes that the organization wanted its signature event to be something that everyone could attend, whether they are someone who receives food assistance or someone who can contribute financially."We have families that have grown up with the bank, and so we wanted our signature event to be something that everybody could attend," Riutort says. "We just wanted this event to be accessible to the entire community."This focus on accessibility is a core tenet of the Westside Food Bank's mission. The organization serves 72,000 households around the Westside and provided over 4.1 million meals during the 2022-23 fiscal year, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against hunger.

Expanding Partnerships and Fundraising Efforts

The Hunger Walk is just one of the Westside Food Bank's many initiatives to raise awareness and funds for its vital work. In December, the organization will be a part of two key local events: the Santa Monica Pub Crawl on December 14th and the "Meet Me Under the Fig Tree" event at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows the following day.These partnerships and fundraising efforts are crucial in sustaining the Westside Food Bank's operations and ensuring that it can continue to serve the community. With the Hunger Walk's $150,000 fundraising goal, every $5 raised can provide 20 meals for food-insecure residents.As the Westside Food Bank looks to the future, the Hunger Walk remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community. By bringing people together, raising awareness, and securing vital resources, the event is a driving force in the fight against hunger on the Westside and beyond.