Monroe CROP Hunger Walk goes virtual

Jerome Spector Memorial CROP Hunger Walk of Monroe to be walked at any time (virtual event; traditional walk date is Oct. 25).

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic troubles have increased the problem of hunger. According to Bread for the World, one in seven children in this country lives in a family that struggles to get enough to eat. This shortage affects children’s ability to grow and learn.

Looking to make a difference in our local community and in communities worldwide, the Jerome Spector Memorial CROP Hunger Walk of Monroe has set a goal of 100 Walkers and hopes to raise $10,000 to help end hunger and poverty through long-term sustainable approaches to significantly reduce or eliminate hunger, said Fred Schuepfer, the event’s longtime organizer.

A portion of the funds raised here in Monroe will go to five food pantries in southeastern Orange County.

The walk is named in honor of Jerome Spector, a former longtime Walk volunteer and friend who died a few months ago. Walk volunteer Fred Schuepfer struggled with the news.

“It was hard to hear about Jerome’s passing and I wanted to give up and stop working on the CROP Walk,” Schuepfer said. “But I believe that Jerome would want us to continue on, that was the way he was, even if we have to without all of his help.”

Last year, about 60 Walkers raised more than $5,800 through this CROP Hunger Walk.

This year Monroe and some 1,000 other communities nationwide are joining together in interfaith CROP Hunger Walks around the theme “Ending hunger one step at a time.”

To avoid health risks, this year’s Walk will not have a live opening ceremony or post-Walk refreshments. But socially-distanced, masked individuals or small groups may walk around the lower Millpond, or at another location of their choosing, at any time.

If you would like to join, please register at www.crophungerwalk.org/monroeny or call Fred Schuepfer at 782-8386 for information.