In this edition of Wes's Weekly Wrap Up, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, shares his excitement about Hunger Hike 2023. For 31 years, our community comes together to raise funds for vital food programs – and you're invited. Please take 59 seconds to watch the video and SHARE with others. For more information on Hunger Hike, click the button or see the articles below

Join Hunger Hike 2023, a remarkable community fundraising event with a mission to heighten awareness and make a positive impact in the fight against hunger, both locally and on a broader scale. Let's unite to combat food insecurity and create a better future for those in need. Here's your guide to get started contributing to the battle against hunger by raising awareness and funds for vital food programs. Hunger Hike is scheduled to unfold at Riehle Plaza (Lafayette, IN) on Sunday, September 17 at 1 p.m.

Hunger Hike offers an excellent opportunity for teams or groups to participate, whether it's a church group, student organization, civic group, or your own family. Assemble your Hunger Hike team and initiate the fundraising process through our user-friendly online platform, or choose any method that suits you best. LUM warmly invites you to join us in the fight against hunger.

Two distinguished figures from Purdue University have stepped up to assume the role of honorary co-chairs for Hunger Hike 2023. These individuals are Dr. Anne Marie Edwards, the esteemed director of the Purdue University Black Cultural Center, and Nathan Walker, the dedicated head coach of the Purdue Rowing & Crew Team.

Dr. Edwards & Coach Walker epitomize the ideal advocates for Hunger Hike, showcasing an unwavering commitment to community service, with a particular emphasis on supporting food assistance and nutritional programs. Their fervor for the importance of Hunger Hike, the potential that arises when a community unites to combat hunger, and the importance of Purdue students comprehending the challenges faced by their university community make them exceptional ambassadors. Together, they have issued a rallying cry, challenging everyone to begin fundraising immediately and to surpass this year's fundraising target of $110,000.

For comprehensive details on how you can initiate your fundraising efforts for Hunger Hike, please see the article above or visit the official website at hungerhike.org.

Last week, Lafayette Urban Ministry, along with Food Finders Food Bank and Bread for the World, kicked off Hunger Action Month by hosting a free screening of the Emmy-nominated documentary The Working Hungry. The event was a resounding success, drawing in 184 attendees, including 11 local officials.

Following the documentary screening, Wes Tillett, LUM executive director, moderated a community discussion, bringing together a panel of experts to delve into systemic responses and solutions to combat hunger. The panel featured notable figures Michael Budd, CEO, Indiana United Ways; Grace Kozak, State Organizer, Indiana Bread for the World; Araceli Martinez, Student Leader, ACE Food Pantry at Purdue; and Kier Crites Muller, President/CEO, Food Finders Food Bank.

Most of the attendees remained afterward for a town hall session. During this session, participants used postcards to vividly describe the issue of food insecurity in our community. These postcards will be delivered to Jim Baird, US representative from Indiana and a member of the US House Committee on Agriculture. This committee is working on updating the Farm Bill this year, which will have a significant impact on food insecurity in our state. The message to Rep. Baird will underscore our unwavering commitment to the fight against food insecurity in our area.

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September is Hunger Action Month, an initiative that highlights the reality of food insecurity while giving everyone the chance to take action to fight against hunger. The LUM Food Pantries (Downtown Lafayette & West Lafayette, IN) need your support this fall & winter.

Here are SIX WAYS YOU can help LUM while celebrating Hunger Action Month.

You are also encouraged to WEAR ORANGE to celebrate and raise awareness for Hunger Action Month.