Food Share Hike Tradition Continues

When Bill and Nancy Mitchell moved to Ventura County from Los Angeles, the couple thought they had landed in paradise. While out on their usual walk one day, Nancy commented that the scenery was so beautiful, she could walk all the way to Santa Barbara.

They decided to do just that while raising money for Food Share, the county’s food bank. The tradition stuck, and the eighth annual Hike Against Hunger will take place this weekend.

Sponsored by the Pierpont Racquet Club, the Saturday and Sunday hike is dedicated to Bill Mitchell, who died in November at 76. Nancy Mitchell, 66, will lead this year’s hike.

Food Share is expecting 150 participants, according to spokesman Jim Mangis. Anyone interested in participating can sign up until the day of the event.

This year, Food Share hopes to raise at least $20,000. Food Share does not require a minimum amount of pledges.

Proceeds will help support the food bank and purchase a truck to deliver food for the Ready Prepared Meals program, Mangis said. This year’s hike also will raise money for the agencies that pick up food from the bank, he said.

The routes this year include two-, four- and eight-mile loops. There is also a two-day, 30-mile route to Santa Barbara. Hikers will stay at the Motel 6 in Carpinteria.

Some of her friends will join Mitchell on her trek to Santa Barbara, but most have opted for the one-day walk.

“It could be easy to give up, but my husband and I felt like if we didn’t go every year, they won’t go,” said Mitchell. “It’s a challenge to your body--we’re all getting older. But if you put your mind to it, you can do anything. You do it because it’s important.”

To register, call 983-7100.