Lacing up for hunger: Portage County resident begins third year of charity run

Once again, a long-distance runner will lace up his shoes and run through every Portage County township to address hunger and poverty in the area.

Aurora resident John Kennedy's third annual Hunger Run, which started recently, aims to raise money to fight hunger and poverty in Portage County.

Over the past three years, the event has raised more than $10,800 for Change Hunger of Portage County, a consortium of food pantries and hot meals sites that work together to address food needs in every area of the county.

Kennedy will run a combined total of more than 100 miles over the course of three weeks before finishing on Oct. 7.

The Aurora resident, who created the event in 2020, usually asks others to join him on his runs. This year, he's asking volunteers to run any distance and in any location they wish, and to support local food pantries by clicking on the "donate" links on the Hunger Run website.

Kennedy, a Type 1 diabetic and ultramarathon runner, said he also aims to raise awareness about the ongoing food crisis.

“Poverty and hunger continue to be a problem," he said. "The U.S. Census Bureau released a report showing poverty increased by 60% in 2022 – all after expansions to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), school meals, and the Child Tax Credit expired. We know these programs worked – in 2021, the expanded Child Tax Credit alone lifted nearly 3 million children out of poverty.”

“And here in Portage County, we know many are still going without," he added. "Our local nonprofits and community-based organizations are working overtime to meet the growing needs, but the demand is overwhelming. All of us who can do more must do more.”

Kennedy is asking those who want more information to contact him directly at johnkennedyforohio@gmail.com.

Links to donate can be found on the Hunger Run website or the event's Facebook page. Donors are asked to designate their gift to Change Hunger of Portage County, one of the first options listed.

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Third annual Hunger Run aims to help Portage County food pantries