Portage County, Ohio • September 15 – October 7, 2023
4th Annual Hunger Run
Why run 100+ Miles? Because no one should go hungry in Portage County.
In September 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched the Hunger Run to shine a light on the growing number of residents living in poverty and going without the basics — with food being at the top of that list. With the help of good people across our county, region and country, we raised over $10,800 for Change Hunger over the last 3 years, a consortium of food pantries and hot meals sites that work together to cover food needs in every area of the county. Click here to donate now - be sure to designate it to Change Hunger of Portage County!
Beginning on September 15, 2023, the 100+ mile run will again trek through every township and every city in Portage county. The 2023 version of the Hunger Run allows for the running of any of the 5 legs in any chronological order, and in any distance you choose, and runners can “team up” with other runners to complete the various legs if they wish. Please email us here to let us know what segments you are running in your township! Again, there is NO minimum or maximum mileage required — just do what you can to raise awareness about the increased demand for food assistance by supporting Change Hunger of Portage County. Refer to the maps below for more detailed information about each leg of the Hunger Run.
Aurora resident and Hunger Run founder John Kennedy will run all 100 miles, but if you are interested in running or volunteering, please email John directly at johnkennedyforohio@gmail.com.
The need and demand for assistance hasn’t gone away. In far too many cases, the demand has only increased. Over the last three years, Change Hunger consortium has provided hundreds of thousands of meals to thousands of Portage County households. The increased demand forced one of the consortium members, the Center of Hope, to increase their food pantries to twice a month. Click here to donate now - be sure to designate it to Change Hunger of Portage County!
Every donation, no matter how large or small, is making a difference in the lives of folks struggling to get by in our county. In Portage county, we always come together to take care of one another in times of need. Even in a global pandemic, our people provide; our neighbors reach out with a helping hand; our community stands up. That’s who we are.
“Thank you so much for helping us out this month, it has been really hard for us to keep groceries in the house.”
“I am so glad I was able to make another appointment this month because we ran out of food.”
“I am homeless! Thank you for giving me can goods, snacks and a can opener.”
CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW - BE SURE TO DESIGNATE IT TO CHANGE HUNGER OF PORTAGE COUNTY!