FULL BELLIES WARM HEARTS

by Michelle Sobala

Epic event for those who enjoy opting outside on a brisk November morning for a good cause surrounded by the good vibes of a gigantic crowd who’s happy to earn their imminent feast later that day. Run to Feed the Hungry is the largest fun run in the United States on that special fourth Thursday of November we call Thanksgiving. A day we all focus on what we are grateful for. Those who participate like to go the extra mile. Actually, 3.1 miles in the 5K or 6.2 miles in the 10K.

This adventure begins at California State University Sacramento and flows through a charming and established neighborhood known as the Fab Forties – The route includes J Street, one block over from the iconic big blue home featured in the movie ‘Lady Bird’. Imagine being surrounded by thousands of people jogging together through streets lined with mature trees, quintessential homes, plus volunteers and spectators cheering you

on. Periodically there’s live bands playing music to give you that extra boost, swagger, and smile as you hop, skip, walk or run your way to the finish line.

Created with an open heart, Run to Feed the Hungry is an event whose name says it all. The intent is to fill the bellies and warm the hearts of those less fortunate. Those without enough food to eat – to nourish their hearts, minds, and souls.

Young or old hunger impacts one’s physical, mental, and emotional faculties. This event raises close to one million dollars to help feed them. A $35 registration fee can provide up to 175 meals. Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services is much more than a food bank. They also provide, computer skills classes and career advancement programs. Parenting classes that participants can win monopoly money that they can later use to buy essential items from the donation shop – such as diapers, formula, clothes and more. Additionally, they have a community garden with free gardening classes open to anyone.

They are a 100% publicly funded non-profit organization with 11,000 volunteers. That’s right. Remarkably their revolving door of services provides tons of help and has no government funding. Their community vision to help serve Greater Sacramento began in 1976 and has grown beyond their wildest dreams. With its wellspring of non-profit services, they serve 250,000 or more people every month – this is almost double the pre-pandemic numbers. They do need help so if you feel called to contribute in any capacity they would appreciate your help. Run to Feed the Hungry is their pinnacle event that started in 1994. If you enjoy the synergy of a 21,000-person crowd all running, walking, or even skipping in the same direction with hearts full of joy, health, and success for all mankind then this may be an event for you.