VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Valley City CROP WALK for HUNGER raised $6047.77 through its 3 mile walk that was held from May 3-9. The new option to walk anytime over the entire week was because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Twenty-five percent ($1511.94) of the funds raised has been donated to the Barnes County Food Pantry. The remainder will go to help people in need across the USA and overseas. CROP is the action arm of Church World Service whose goal is to build a world where there is enough food for all.

Church World Service-CROP works in the area of hunger and poverty, also helping families who need to flee due to climate or violence/wars. Lastly CROP helps out when there is a disaster, bringing food and relief to communities.

This year much of the CROP funds will be used to support communities worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here in Valley City, Pat Hansen, director of the Senior Center and the Barnes County Food Pantry states, “we had a doubling of people using the food pantry when the coronavirus began, then when the Federal funds came through there was a slight decline, but now we are expecting more calls because the $600/family stimulus is gone.”

Hansen thanks the kids and adults who raised money and walked for the CROP WALK, as well as other individuals and companies who have generously donated to the Food Pantry. She invites anyone who would like to donate to write their check out to Food Pantry, and mail it to the Food Pantry, P.O. Box 298, Valley City.

Chair Sharon Buhr, also thanks all the CROP WALK for HUNGER walkers and those who donated. “In spite of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we were able raise a substantial amount of dollars which is going to help those who are being hurt by the pandemic,” concludes Buhr.

Feature photo: Pat Hansen (Barnes County Senior Center director, left) and Kara Kramin ( Food Pantry volunteer, right) show CROP WALK for HUNGER treasurer Edie Schmidt (center) the new shelving and layout at the Barnes County Food Pantry. The Valley City CROP WALK for HUNGER donated $1511.94 to the Food Pantry this year.