The ‘CROP Hunger Walk’ takes place every October in our area to support people struggling with hunger worldwide. These community-based fundraising events support Church World Service’s global mission to advance just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. Of the funds raised during a CROP Hunger Walk, 25% is returned to the host community to support local efforts to fight hunger.
Started in 1947 after World War II and known as The Crop Project, this effort began when farmers were asked to donate food and seeds to people in Europe and Asia still recovering from the war. This grew into the first CROP Hunger Walks in Bismarck, North Dakota, in 1969, and York, Pennsylvania, the next year. Since then, CROP Hunger Walk events have raised millions of dollars to help eliminate hunger and poverty. St. Francis has participated in these walks for many years.
Each year, the Office of Justice and Peace supports the effort through opportunities to walk, donate, or join the leadership team. Mary Ellen McGuire, the Director of Justice and Peace, explains the fundraising effort: “The model for the fundraiser is to sign yourself and your family up to walk, and then go to friends, coworkers, and family, and ask, ‘Will you sponsor me for this walk?’ You then collect the money before the walk and bring those funds to the walk to turn in. You can participate by walking, or you can sponsor someone who’s walking. We’d like a team from St. Francis to walk together with a banner or sign to represent the whole community.”
“The St. Francis community does a ton to support causes and ministries locally, and our international giving and solidarity with people in other countries has ‘room to blossom,’” says Mary Ellen. “In years past, we’ve had as many as 20+ people at the walk, and Church World Service is a great organization allowing us, as a church community, to come together and provide more support internationally.” The Greater Triangle Area CROP Hunger Walk will be held on October 25th, 2026, and we would love to have you walk or sponsor the community’s effort!
To support the Office of Justice and Peace’s effort, you can walk, donate, or join the St. Francis Walking Team at the 2026 CROP Hunger Walk – St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. For more information, please contact Mary Ellen at MaryEllen.McGuire@stfrancisraleigh.org or (919) 847-8205 x270.