Hunger is a major problem in Georgia, with one in six Georgia children at risk of going hungry each month. To help solve this problem, the St. Vincent de Paul Society has joined with five other nonprofit charities to sponsor the Hunger Walk/Run 2005, which raises funds for hunger relief.

The Hunger Walk/Run 2005 is scheduled for Sunday, March 13, beginning at Turner Field in Atlanta. Participants can either walk or run a 5K or 10K route through downtown Atlanta. Registration begins at 12 noon. The 10K run starts at 1 p.m., and the 5K walk and run start at 2:30 p.m.

From competitive runners and joggers to power walkers and strollers, there’s a place for everyone who wants to take steps to fight hunger in the community. Individuals can participate, or they can form teams comprised of relatives, friends, fellow parishioners or neighbors. Sponsorships can be solicited from employers, families, church groups and friends. A minimum contribution of $25 per participant is strongly encouraged. People who cannot participate in this event but want to make a donation can become Phantom Walkers.

“Every day, hungry people come to our office, where we feed them and then give them more food to take home,” said Nina C. Harrison, executive director of Atlanta’s St. Vincent de Paul Society. “But many times, our food pantry runs low because the demand is so high. The Hunger Walk/Run is a great way to help us keep our pantry stocked so we can feed the hungry people of our community.”

The Hunger Walk event began in 1984 as a grassroots movement in response to hunger issues. It continued as a volunteer effort until 1988 when it became a special project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. In 2000, a 5K Hunger Run was introduced. In 2001, a certified 10K run, also a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race, was added.

Complete information and registration forms for Hunger Walk/Run 2005 are available from the St. Vincent de Paul Society at www.svdpatl.org. Contact Mary at (770) 576-4076 or mdavison@svdpatl.org.