Walking to end hunger is a cause worthy of some celebratory music. Some walkers like Carlin said it's good to walk because, "People who don't have food and they need food". Ethan McGill said he’s walking "because it'll help end world hunger."  

The 48th Annual Erie County Crop Hunger Walk raised money for organizations that address hunger needs locally and nationally. Erie News Now Kara Coleman and Mark Soliday were honorary co-chairs for the event. Coordinator for the event Jim Haas said the collective effort and support from the community is impactful. 

“Most of the folks here are from the faith community, from 35 or 40 different churches and then a number of individuals all of whom care about the call to help feed our hungry brothers and sisters, and it's just a great way to come together to work together to address a problem we raise,” Haas said.   

Haas said the money raised will go far in helping the mission.  

“Last year we raised $73,000. A quarter of that stays local so we supported . . . the food bank, a number of food pantries, Emmaus soup kitchen, Salvation Army, St Martin Center, a number of groups like that. So, the same thing will happen this year, depending on how much we raise, we'll be able to distribute accordingly to the community, and beyond,” Haas said.  

For Marijane Dillon, this is her 39th year participating in the hunger walk. Dillon saw the event grow throughout the years. 

“It's been awesome over the years just to be a part of it, knowing that you're helping people to be beekeepers or giving them goats to have a way of supporting their family, raising chickens and . . . So, you know, giving your money now helps wherever the disaster or wherever the need is. And that's just really a good feeling," Dillon said.