Participants celebrate as they finish the 2022 Harvest Walk at Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin. Harvest Walk, a fundraiser for the Interchurch Food Pantry, will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 1 at the church.
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The need has never been greater.
Every day of the week, the cars start lining up well before the Interchurch Food Pantry opens. Families struggling with food insecurity of help will wait in the pantry’s parking lot to make sure they get food they need.
Every month seems to be a new record. In August, they served more households than in any other in the pantry’s history. September is continuing the trend.
“Many might assume that the need is diminishing with the pandemic behind us and inflation slowing down but, instead, the need has grown,” said Carol Phipps, executive director of the Interchurch Food Pantry. “We hear firsthand stories of the struggles of so many community members and heartfelt appreciation from those we serve.”
As the demand for food has grown, so has the Interchurch Food Pantry’s dedication to meet that need. With the help of the community, the staff and volunteers at the pantry have made sure clients walk away with enough nutritious food to make a difference in their lives.
But in order to continue doing so, it needs the community’s help. That makes its key fundraiser, the Harvest Walk, even more important.
“The money raised goes directly to purchase food for those in our community struggling to put food on their table. Many churches and donors also bring food donations to the event which replenishes our shelves,” Phipps said.
The Harvest Walk will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 1 at Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin, with registration opening at 1 p.m. Hundreds of people will gather to take part in either a three-mile loop or a one-mile wheelchair-friendly route. A performance by the Retro Brothers, a ’70s and ’80s party band, will keep the atmosphere lively during registration from 1 to 2 p.m.
Most of all, the efforts will ensure that no one goes hungry in the community, Phipps said.
That mission has been at the core of the Interchurch Food Pantry for the past 40 years. And every year, it seems that need for food relief in the area has only grown. The pantry, which is open five days a week and some Saturdays, feeds about 140 families per day.
In 2022 alone, the organization was able to provide more than 1.5 million meals for the community.
Interchurch Food Pantry relies on donations, both of food and money, to purchase what they need. The Harvest Walk helps pantry leaders do both as the organization’s prime yearly fundraiser, Phipps said.
The Harvest Walk had its beginnings more than 30 years ago, when it was called the CROP Walk. Even though the name has changed, it remains a tradition for generations of families.
“The CROP Walk was known for bringing churches and families together across Johnson County,” Phipps said. “I fondly recall soliciting sponsors from my church and walking with my kids each year.”
Participants will again meet at Grace United Methodist Church, where they will pass under an arch of green, yellow and orange balloons before heading out. The route includes part of the Franklin Greenway Trail and a walkway through Franklin College’s campus. Dogs on leashes are welcome. A water station is will be placed near the campus chapel.
The Retro Brothers will provide music prior to the walk, and face painting will also be available for adults and children.
“For all of us volunteers at Interchurch Food Pantry, it is inspiring to see the giving side of our community. The Harvest Walk brings so many caring people together who want to make a positive difference,” Phipps said. “Experiencing the smiles, excitement and energy is truly a blessing. And, this is what enables us to keep doing what we do: feeding the body, heart and spirit of all who need us.”
IF YOU GO
Harvest Walk
What: An annual fundraiser for the Interchurch Food Pantry, in which participants walk either a three-mile or a one-mile wheelchair-friendly course through Franklin.
When: 2 p.m. Oct. 1. Registration and check-in begins at 1.
Where: Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams St., Franklin
Cost: Registration is $25 for individuals and $40 for families. Additional donations may also be made.
How to register: Go to jcpantry.org/harvest-walk
