West Side Food Bank A Non-Profit Corporation

Westside food bank held its community engagement event, the 34th annual 5k hunger walk, on november 5, 2023. There was no cost or fundraising requirement to participate in the event so as to provide equal access to everyone in the community, from food pantry clients and partner agency staff to major donors and corporate funders. A total of 388 people participated as walkers or volunteers and all participants received an event t-shirt and swag bag. Participants had the option to raise funds for westside food bank's hunger-relief work via a complementary peer-to-peer website where they could invite others to walk with them or donate. Wsfb partner agencies were offered the opportunity to form fundraising teams and receive 75% of the funds raised by their team to support their operations. This can be particularly impactful for agencies that lack the capacity to hold their own fundraising events. The annual hunger walk is an event that brings the community together to raise awareness about local hunger and food insecurity and foster community connections. Participants at the 2023 hunger walk also enjoyed entertainment, awards, raffle prizes, a family fun zone and a scenic 5k walk on the ocean front walk path in santa monica.