The Westfield Food Pantry’s annual Fill the Pantry Walk will be held on Saturday, October 19 beginning at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 60 Broad Street in Westfield. Registration begins at 5 pm. There will be glow sticks, swag bags, and t-shirts (while supplies last) and a door prize.

The walk itself steps off at 6 pm and travels along the scenic Columbia Greenway Rail Trail. Participants are invited to walk alone or with a group of friends, coworkers, or team members. Children are welcome as walkers, in strollers, or riding bicycles and tricycles. There will be a prize for the best decorated bike. How far participants walk is optional. Shaker Road is a three mile round trip, while the tin bridge is a one mile walk. Alternately community members are invited to skip the walk entirely and just attend the after-party back at St. John’s. Plans include a fire pit with hot dogs, donuts, refreshments, and music.

The Westfield Food Pantry has seen an increase in need among Westfield residents over the last few years. At the same time, available funding has decreased. According to Executive Director Rebecca Hart, “Although the economy has technically recovered, that is not what we are experiencing. Corporate donations are at an all-time low, grant opportunities have shrunk, and our fundraising events are less successful than in the past. I believe it’s the result of many factors, including rising costs for working and middle class families, stagnant wages, and recent changes in tax code.” These factors almost forced the Pantry to close over the summer. However, donations from the community kept Pantry doors open, and the Pantry is now working to stabilize funding for the coming year. The upcoming walk is a major part of that strategy.

Participants in the Fill the Pantry Glow Walk can make a personal donation or find sponsors. Donations from the community will also be accepted on the website or by mail. This is the Pantry’s largest fundraiser for the year and is essential to ensuring sufficient funds to keep programs operating. All proceeds from the event help support Pantry services for families right here in the local community. Additional information and registration forms are available at www.WestfieldFoodPantry.org.