CROP Walk | October 18

Mark your calendar for our annual CROP Walk on October 18. Now in its 48th year, the Arlington CROP Hunger Walk (ACHW) is two months away. This is an unprecedented year for this annual event. Here’s why:

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Church World Service (CWS) sponsors CROP Walks to support food programs worldwide and in the U.S. According to the CWS website, more than 88% of its funding has come from federal sources, until now. Because of the huge cuts to federal food aid programs, the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, and the elimination of USAID, CWS has seen federal grants eliminated, suffered large budget cuts, and been forced to reduce services, lay off staff, and in some cases, close offices. 

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Here in Arlington, the Arlington Food Assistance Center has seen a serious budget shortfall because of increased demand. More people locally are seeking food support.

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CROP Hunger Walks alone cannot make up the difference, but they are a major source of support each year. Communities and faith communities nationwide join together to provide food for the hungry. This year we have an opportunity to both help our neighbors in need AND send a message to our leaders that Americans strongly support food programs and want them restored.

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We walk to help hungry people. And sadly, we walk because our leaders have cut off food for starving children.

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Look for information on how to register for the Mount Olivet team in the coming weeks.