Thurston County Hunger Walk returns to combat rising countywide food insecurity 

The Thurston County Hunger Walk will return on May 4 with a $40,000 fundraising target to bolster food programs serving shelters, encampments and families across the region. 

The event begins at 3 p.m. at Huntamer Park, located at 618 Woodland Square Loop SE in Lacey. Organizers described it as a walk and public gathering aimed at supporting two strained agencies: the Thurston County Food Bank (TCFB) and The Community Kitchen. 

Funds raised shall help sustain hot meal services in nontraditional living spaces, and replenish “pantries and satellite sites” with food for families facing food insecurity, the organizers confirmed. 

“As community needs grow, both organizations are providing more food than ever before,” the TCFB added. 

According to the organization, the walk is meant to respond directly to the increased demand for food assistance in the county. The program is all about “walking in solidarity to end hunger in Thurston County.” 

The walk is open to all, including leashed dogs. The event promises live music and a casual outdoor setting, described by organizers simply as “Live music and camaraderie! Outdoors!” Participants are encouraged to “GIVE what you can! WALK if you want!” 

Community members may join or form teams for the walk, including one dubbed the “TCFB Trudgers,” which has invited volunteers and friends to help hit the program’s $40,000 mark. 

Donations can be submitted either through the official Thurston Hunger Walk site or by mail. All checks must be addressed to Thurston Hunger Walk and mailed to the Thurston County Food Bank at P.O. Box 11549, Olympia, WA 98508.  

The organization stated that people contributing under a team should write the team’s name in the memo for proper credit. 

For team registration and inquiries, the contact email is AmandaM@tcfb.org.