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Food Bank of WNY's 'Walk Off Hunger,' 'Summerfest' to help feed local families in need

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Mon, Jul 25th 2016 01:45 pm

The 9th annual "Walk Off Hunger" and "Summerfest," presented by Uncle Bob's Self Storage, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at Island Park in Williamsville. All proceeds from the family-friendly event will benefit the Food Bank of Western New York as it continues to fight hunger one day at a time.

Check-in and registration for the 1.9-mile walk will begin at 10 a.m., with the walk starting at 11 a.m. The walk will be followed by "Summerfest," which will include food, children's games, a bounce house, climbing wall, music, visits from local sports teams' mascots, auctions and more.

The Food Bank has, once again, teamed up with the Williamsville Farmers Market, so attendees can shop the farmers market before and after the walk. Walkers can park at Williamsville South High School and take a free shuttle bus provided by First Student to and from the event.

Though donations to the Food Bank of WNY slow in the summer, the need remains high. Summertime is especially challenging for families whose children rely on their school's free or reduced-price meal program. During summer vacation, many of these families turn to the Food Bank's member agencies to help make up those missed meals.

"Walk Off Hunger" was strategically created as a summertime event and, throughout the past eight years, it has helped provide more than 2 million meals for hungry local families.

"While some of us are fortunate enough to view summer as a time for relaxation and enjoyment, there are many families in our community who are worried if their children will have enough to eat this summer," said Marylou Borowiak, president and CEO of the Food Bank of WNY. "We urge the community to join us on July 30 and walk the walk in the fight against hunger. Not only is 'Walk Off Hunger' a fun, family-friendly event, but it is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors in need."

Registration for the walk is $25 per person; children ages 16 and younger are free to participate. Walkers can register the day of the event or online at www.foodbankwny.org. For a $40 donation, supporters can "adopt a family" served by the Food Bank to attend "Walk Off Hunger" festivities. Registered walkers will also receive free food, a T-shirt and a goody bag while supplies last.

The Food Bank of WNY is the primary hunger-relief organization in Western New York, obtaining and distributing food to 329 member agencies, including food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, youth programs and senior centers in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Through these agencies, the Food Bank of WNY serves as many as 129,322 individuals in any given month, including more than 44,000 families, 45,000 children, and nearly 17,000 seniors. For more information, visit www.foodbankwny.org.

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