FeedMoreWNY will host its Walk Off Hunger fundraiser throughout Western New York on Oct. 3-10.

As FeedMore WNY continues to respond to the increased need for food assistance in the community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FeedMore WNY Foundation is asking Western New Yorkers to support their neighbors in need by participating in Walk Off Hunger from October 3-10. Presented by M&T Bank, Walk Off Week is a hybrid of the traditional Walk Off Hunger event and offers a variety of ways to participate, including attending meet-up events that adhere to social distancing guidelines, downloading a do-it-yourself walk route to follow or simply choosing a favorite trail.

Registration is $25 per person or $20 per person for groups of four or more participants. Registration is free for youth ages 15 and younger. Participants will receive a reusable tote bag, a mask, hand sanitizer, bottled water and more. Walk Off Hunger participants also will have the chance to participate in an online auction. To register or for more information, visit www.feedmorewny.org.

“While hunger has long been a problem in Western New York, the need for food assistance has dramatically increased because of the pandemic. Sadly, as many as one in six individuals may be at risk of hunger in FeedMore WNY’s service area. Events like Walk Off Hunger make it possible for FeedMore WNY to continue to provide nutritious food to children, families, veterans and older adults struggling with hunger,” Kristen Hanson, Walk Off Hunger co-chair and vice president of Center Store, Our Brands and Pharmacy for Tops Friendly Markets, said.

Hanson also serves on FeedMore WNY’s Board of Directors.

New this year, the FeedMore WNY Foundation will hold meet-up events on Oct. 3 and Oct. 10 at locations across its four-country service area. Individuals and small groups can register to attend one of the meet-up events and walk the route any time between 10 a.m. and noon. All routes will be on flat, well-marked trails and will span from one to two miles in total distance. Safety and social distance protocols will be followed at all meet-up locations. Local meet-up events will be held at:

¯ HoliMont Ski Club, 6921 Route 242, Ellicottville, NY; and

¯ Lakeside Park, 50 W. Lake Road, Mayville, NY.

“Support for Walk Off Hunger has never been more critical, and with multiple meet-up locations and DIY walk routes, it has never been easier to take part in this event. We encourage everyone to participate in Walk Off Hunger from Oct. 3 through Oct. 10 and help feed our community members in need,” Rosa Alina Pizzi, Walk Off Hunger co-chair and partner at Phillips Lytle LLP, said.