Walkers Will Take Steps to Fight Hunger

Communities across Ventura County are participating in walks Sunday to combat hunger throughout the world.

Camarillo, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard/Port Hueneme, Santa Paula and Ventura will all hold 10-kilometer CROP Walks this weekend, while the Conejo Valley walk is scheduled for March 16. Last year, the seven events raised $74,150.

This is the 20th year the county has taken part in the CROP (Communities Reaching Out to People) fund-raisers, which are held nationwide. Last year, 269,569 people--2,000 in Ventura County--participated in walks throughout the country.

“We’re trying to get 2,000 walkers because it’s the 20th anniversary,” said Jeanine Faria, a CROP walk organizer. “Especially with all the welfare changes going on, people need to be aware that food is a basic right and it won’t be as readily available. Food stamps and some safety net programs will not be there anymore.”

Participants can sponsor themselves or collect pledges from donors, who promise a certain amount of money for every kilometer walked.

The funds raised provide food, seeds, hand tools, water systems and technical assistance to self-help development programs throughout the world. Additionally, 25% of the income benefits organizations that feed hungry people in the town where the walk is held.

CROP Walks began in the aftermath of World War II, when a number of religious denominations decided to combine forces and form the Church World Service. Fifty years later, the organization still holds annual events.

CROP’s success stories have included planting trees in Algeria to anchor the soil against erosion, responding to the horror of starvation in west Africa, helping Nicaraguans rebuild after a devastating earthquake in 1972, and aiding Guatemalans after a similar quake in 1976.

Most of Sunday’s walks will begin registration about noon, with the walk starting an hour later.

For more information, call Faria at 652-1326 or 652-1352.