NEWPORT — The COVID-19 pandemic has put even more of our neighbors at risk for food insecurity and hunger.
The Newport Area Crop Walk will be virtual this year, but the need for support of this event is even greater. Though there will not be a large group walk due to current pandemic safety precautions, we are still raising funds to support local and global efforts to fight hunger.
The New Hampshire Food Bank estimates a projected 71,000 additional people are food insecure — in total more than 197,000 across the state, a 57% increase. Additionally, it is estimated 21-23% of children are living in food insecure environments due to COVID-19.
You can help fight hunger locally and around the world by making a donation, fundraising virtually or walking with your small group of friends and family.
“As a result of the pandemic, 1 in 6 Americans could face hunger. As simple as that stat is, it’s also one of the most stunning. Because of COVID, more people than ever before are visiting food banks and many of them are getting help for the first time. Our neighbors who previously had stable incomes have now lost jobs or had their hours cut back. And food banks are stepping up, as they always have, to put food on the table for those who need it during this uncertain time,” reports Feeding America, a national organization fighting hunger.
Organizations fighting hunger globally have a dire warning: we could be facing a hunger pandemic in addition to COVID-19.
But you can help.
This year the Newport Area Crop Walk will join with some 700 other communities nationwide who are holding virtual Crop Hunger Walks around the theme, “Ending hunger one step at a time.” From providing clean water and hygiene training in Vietnam to combating droughts in Nicaragua to stocking shelves in hundreds of food pantries across the United States, CROP Hunger Walks are fighting hunger and building healthier communities. Funds raised will go to support national and international hunger-relief efforts as well as to the Newport Food Pantry.
Though there is much we can’t do during the pandemic, there is also much we can do. Visit www.crophungerwalk.org/newportnh/ to make a donation or to form a virtual team of friends and family. Know that every donation goes toward fighting hunger locally and around the globe. For more information contact South Congregational Church at (603) 863-3729.
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