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The 41st annual CROP Hunger Walk in Bridgeport was one of hundreds of walks around the country sponsored by Church World Services. The Bridgeport walk was organized by local volunteers led by Carol Fanslow.
Of the money raised Sunday, 75 percent will go to support efforts to fight hunger both nationally and internationally, and 25 percent will stay in Bridgeport to help fight local hunger.
"We have so many hungry people and so many feeding programs, food pantries and congregations around the city who need our help," said Fanslow. "We walk because some people can't walk."
The walk started Sunday at United Congregational Church on Park Avenue. Attendees brought signs with messages such as "Stop Hunger" and donated nonperishable food items that were given to Operation Hope and Daughters of Charity in Bridgeport. The crowd was greeted by Fanslow, Mayor Bill Finch and the Rev. Cass Shaw of the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport.
"Our walk today lets everyone know that we stand in solidarity with people all around the world who do not know where their next meal is coming from, who are barred from the local well and have to go three kilometers down, for the young girls and the women who have to go into the forest and scavenge for wood to be able to build their fires, for those right here in Bridgeport who may have access to food but have only the ability to pay for what turn out to be empty calories," said Shaw.
Supporters had the option of walking an 8K regular walk or a 2.7K mini-walk. Fanslow said last year's walk raised $32,000.
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