As food and housing costs continue to strain household budgets, some families in Palm Beach County, Florida, are struggling to keep enough food on the table. CROS Ministries is preparing for its annual Oct. 3 Hustle to End Hunger 5K in Lake Worth Beach, using the event to raise support as food insecurity affects more people across the county.
Here's what to know
According to WPTV, Executive Director Ruth Mageria said the nonprofit is using the Hustle to End Hunger 5K to raise money for food assistance programs in Palm Beach and Martin counties and that more than 200,000 people in Palm Beach County do not have enough to eat.
The race is set to take place Saturday, Oct. 3, at John Prince Park outside Lake Worth Beach, and organizers are also seeking volunteers. Online registration is open, and organizers told WPTV that participants can use the discount code "WPTV" or "FOX29" in all capital letters for 15% off.
Support is also coming from local groups, including Pineapple Grove Run Club.
More background
CROS Ministries runs food pantries, meal programs, and produce recovery efforts throughout the region. That work is becoming even more important as more households face the combined pressure of rising grocery bills and housing costs.
Before the Oct. 3 event, the nonprofit's warehouse in Lake Worth Beach has been busy, with volunteers packing race bags and organizing supplies, WPTV reported.
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Students can receive volunteer service hours through the organization.
What can be done?
Options include participating in the 5K or volunteering to support CROS Ministries' food programs.
Race fees help fund food assistance programs, while volunteers help the organization operate both the event itself and its broader hunger-relief efforts more effectively.
Rob Cordoba — identified by WPTV as a founder of Pineapple Grove Run Club and a CROS board member — said, "We're bringing the two communities together to raise awareness for hunger, and we're excited."
Donating money to climate causes can also support food and environmental stability.
For Mageria, the scale of the challenge is unmistakable: "The numbers are up in terms of who's food insecure."
Where can I learn more?
Hunger relief work often goes hand in hand with recovering surplus food and getting it to people who need it. These articles look at food banks, nonprofits, and companies doing exactly that.
• In 2023, food banks worldwide provided 1.7 billion meals while keeping usable food out of landfills.
• In Arkansas, a food bank saved over 60,000 meals after storms cut grocery power.
• In California, ExtraFood showed we have the food to feed more people.
• Marriott International saved over 300,000 meals for communities in need through donations in 2023.
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