Hundreds Expected in Walk Against Hunger

Hundreds of Ventura County residents are expected to take part Sunday in the CROP Walk Against Hunger, an annual countywide campaign aimed at raising money to feed the hungry.

From Thousand Oaks to Ojai, participants will embark on six-mile walks at half a dozen locations throughout the county. Afterward, walkers will collect money pledged by sponsors before the event.

The annual CROP Walk got its name from the Christian Rural Overseas Project, which originated the walks nationwide.

Locally, the effort is in its 19th year and is sponsored by the Ventura County Hunger Coalition. The event generates money for soup kitchens and food pantries countywide, including Camarillo-based Food Share, Conejo Valley Meals on Wheels and the Family to Family food pantry in Ventura.

Last year, county walkers raised $88,000. Three-fourths of the money goes toward international hunger relief efforts, while the remainder is spent on local efforts.

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Sunday with the walks starting at 1 p.m. Last-minute walkers are welcome.

Walks will start at the following locations:

Camarillo: St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 1251 Las Posas Road.

Ojai: Sarzotti Park, 510 Park Road.

Oxnard: Our Saviour’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 905 W. Redwood St.

Santa Paula: Veteran’s Memorial Park, 970 Ventura St.

Thousand Oaks: California Lutheran University’s athletic field.

Ventura: Cabrillo Middle School, 1426 E. Santa Clara.