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Hunger Hike 2023 Triumphs Despite Rain

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Hunger Hike Crushes Goal – $113,000 & Counting

Despite the rain, the Hunger Hike fundraiser carried on with spirited determination, and the results were nothing short of spectacular! The turnout was remarkable, demonstrating the incredible support from our community. It was heartwarming to see a range of participants, from Zumba enthusiasts to Purdue Pete, elected officials, religious leaders & groups, local businesses, school groups, and the Purdue Crew Team, all coming together for this important cause. The day was filled with joy, music, popsicles, a delightful hot dog picnic, clowns, face painting, princesses, and even soothing massages – a true celebration of unity and compassion.

Even more astonishing, the fundraiser didn’t just meet its goal – it exceeded it! With a goal of $110,000 in mind, Hunger Hike is thrilled to announce that a total of $113,000 has been raised so far. This incredible generosity will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the fight against hunger. But the good news doesn’t stop there – donations are still welcome! Every additional contribution will further strengthen our mission to combat hunger and support those in need in our community.

A heartfelt thank you to all who participated, donated, and made Hunger Hike a resounding success. Your kindness and dedication inspire us to continue this vital work, rain or shine. Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of others and taking significant strides in ending hunger. To view more PHOTOS, click HERE.



Hunger Hike — Special Highlights & Surprises

Purdue Spirit, Music, Magic, Zumba & More

Join us THIS Sunday for the lively Hunger Hike kick-off event, taking place at Riehle Plaza from 1 to 2 p.m. Your emcee and dance music provider for the occasion will be DJ Powder from Rat Pak Mobile DJs.

The kick-off festivities will also showcase the presence of some special guests, including Purdue Pete and the Purdue Crew Team. As if that weren’t enough, there will be a range of FREE activities to enjoy, including Zumba sessions, face paintingballoon animals, rides on the Boilermaker Special, appearances by clowns and princesses, and even soothing massages. Don’t miss out on this fantastic start to Hunger Hike!

At 1:45 p.m., a brief ceremony will mark the commencement of Hunger Hike. Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker will sing a stirring rendition of the US National Anthem alongside Fred Koning. This will be followed by an invocation delivered by Reverend Jennie Barrington from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tippecanoe County.

At 2:00 p.m.Hunger Hike supporters will embark on a 1.5K walk, tracing a family-friendly path that winds over the pedestrian bridge and through Tapawingo Park. Along the route, “hikers” can enjoy live boat demonstrations at the Purdue Boathouse, listen to live music from Sharon McKnight, snack on popsicles, and marvel at a magical performance by Scott Starkey, known as the Wizard of the Wabash. The journey culminates at Riehle Plaza with a Meijer picnic featuring hot dogs, chips, and bottled water.

Hunger Hike represents not only a vital fundraising initiative but also a vibrant community celebration. The event serves as a platform to raise funds in support of the valuable efforts of Lafayette Urban MinistryFood Finders Food Bank, Inc., and the St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry.


Co-Chairs — Dr. Edwards & Purdue Coach Walker

Hunger Hike 2023 proudly presents its honorary co-chairs, Dr. Anne Marie Edwards, the esteemed director of the Purdue Black Cultural Center, and Nathan Walker, the dedicated head coach of the Purdue Rowing & Crew Team.

Dr. Edwards & Coach Walker exemplify ideal ambassadors for Hunger Hike. They consistently raise the bar, both in their personal endeavors and in leading their respective students. Their commitment to community service, particularly in the realm of supporting food assistance and nutrition programs, is truly commendable.

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Dr. Anne Marie Edwards & Coach Nathan Walker at the Hunger Hike kick-off event THIS Sunday at 1:45 p.m. (Riehle Plaza, Lafayette, IN).

Hunger Hike Countdown – Three Days To Go

Take Action Now – Make a Significant Impact

Take action NOW and begin your fundraising efforts for Hunger Hike 2023, making a significant impact in the fight against hunger! Hunger Hike is a family-friendly, community-driven celebration that welcomes individuals and teams dedicated to raising awareness and joining the battle against hunger. (Plus, it’s dog-friendly!) Join the effort to exceed the goal of raising $110,000 to support hunger relief efforts at the local, regional, and global levels. It’s easier than you think to get involved:

  1. Visit hungerhike.org
  2. Launch your fundraising journey today by clicking HERE
  3. To make a quick donation, simply text HHIKE to 71777

With just three days remaining until Hunger Hike, there’s still time to assemble a team and start collecting donations. Don’t hesitate – let’s make a difference together!

2022 – News Archive

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Hunger Hike – News & Updates:


September 15, 2022 – Hunger Hike Kick Off Event – THIS Sunday

September 1, 2022 – Hunger Hike 2022 – 17 Days to Kick Off

August 25, 2022 – LUM Has Big Plans for the Fall & Winter

May 19, 2022 – Hunger Hike – Needed Now More Than Ever


Hunger Hike in the News:


Archive of eNewsletters & LUM in the News

Hunger Facts – 2022

HUNGER HIKE – Did you know?

General Facts/Statistics

  • According to the USDA, the price of food purchased to eat at home increased 12.2% from June 2021 to June 2022. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/
  • According to the Washington Post, average rents in Tippecanoe County have increased 10.8% since 2019. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2022/rising-rent-prices/
  • In July, Food Finders Food Bank experienced a 70% increase in visits to their Fresh Market Community Food Pantry over the same time last year
  • In the first half of the year, Lafayette Urban Ministry saw a 36% jump in visits to their food pantry over 2021.  The number of new food pantry clients went up 123%, and they saw a 33% increase in visits to their emergency shelter.
  • Food insecure adults are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure. They are also more likely to report mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, and poor general health. Seniors who are food insecure have a decreased capacity to maintain independence with aging.

Child Hunger Facts/Stats

  • According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 Hoosiers struggle with hunger.  Among Hoosier children, the number is 1 in 6. Feeding America – IN (feedingamericaaction.org)
  • Children who face hunger are more likely to struggle in school and experience developmental setbacks. Kids who struggle to get enough to eat also face higher risks of health conditions like anemia and asthma.
  • In addition to decreased intellectual and emotional development and poor academic performance, children living in food insecure households are at higher risk of poor physical and mental health. They are substantially more likely to be diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, asthma, mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, cognitive impairment, and behavioral disorders. They are also at higher risk of being hospitalized. These health problems and the resulting time demands placed on caregivers impact the ability of caregivers to maintain stable employment.

Senior Hunger Facts/Stats

  • 12.7% of seniors in Indiana struggle with food insecurity –  2022-senior-report-state-summaries.pdf (americashealthrankings.org)
  • Seniors struggling with hunger often have to make the difficult decision between paying for rent, medication, or transportation and food.
  • For seniors, lack of access to healthy foods, or even a stable diet, can lead to life threatening medical conditions, such as disability, deteriorating health/ mental health conditions, serious infections, lengthy hospitalization, and malnutrition. The number one health condition caused by food insecurity among seniors is clinical (severe/major) depression. For more information on senior hunger, read The State of Senior Hunger 

2021 – News Archive

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Hunger Hike – News & Updates:

September 16, 2021 – Hunger Hike Kick Off Event – THIS Sunday


Hunger Hike in the News:


Archive of eNewsletters & LUM in the News

2020 – News Archive


Hunger Hike – News & Updates:

September 24, 2020 – Hunger Hike 2020 Crushed This Year’s Goal

September 17, 2020 – Hunger Hike is HERE – Livestream on SUNDAY

August 6, 2020 – LUM Camp 2020 Recap & More

September 10, 2020 – Hunger Hike, Double Your Donation & Interns

July 30, 2020 – News About Fall LUM Programs

July 16, 2020 – LUM Programs Persist & Thrive in 2020


Hunger Hike in the News:


Archive of eNewsletters & LUM in the News

  • To view click on the year: 2012 2013 | 2014  2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
  • Hunger Hike 2019 Raised $96,899

    End of Decade Total Raised $978,597

    At a celebration this week, it was announced that the 28th annual Hunger Hike raised $96,899. Each of sponsoring organizations received $30,230. Collectively, THIS decade, Hunger Hike raised $978,597 (10 year total) – an amazing accomplishment in the fight against hunger. The celebration was capped off with the presentation of checks to representatives of the three sponsoring organizations: Duane Sellers & Chuck Anderson representing St. Thomas Aquinas Haiti Ministry; Katy Bunder, Food Finders Food Bank, Inc.; and Joe Micon, Lafayette Urban Ministry. All major donors and event sponsors were also recognized.

    A majority of the money comes from local churches ($49,033). The top 5 CHURCH fundraisers:

    1. St. Thomas Aquinas ($30,031)
    2. Chapel of the Good Shepherd
    3. St. John’s Episcopal
    4. Bethany Presbyterian 
    5. Central Presbyterian

    The top six INDIVIDUAL fundraisers:

    1. Rob Pahl ($10,930) – First individual to raise over $10,000
    2. Fr. Patrick Baikauskas, OP
    3. Jane & Duane Sellers 
    4. Dr. Michael Lockwood
    5. Patti O’Callaghan

    The top organization/group TEAMS:

    1. Decatur Street Kids ($2,079)
    2. Dogs Against Hunger
    3. Purdue English Department – Poets & Critics
    4. Grandma’s Bunch
    5. Benton Central High School CAAP, Food Finders Food Bank & Tippecanoe Democrats (3-way tie)

    Special thanks to DIAMOND Level event sponsor — The Lafayette Life Foundation ($5,000 donation); and the Gold Level event sponsors — Walmart/Sam’s Club of Lafayette/West Lafayette ($2,500 donation).

    Total Hunger Hike corporate gifts totaled $25,136. To view all of our event sponsors, click HERE.

    The proceeds from Hunger Hike 2019 will have a tremendous & immediate positive impact on the Fight Against Hunger — locally, regionally & globally. Thank you all again for supporting Hunger Hike. More information may be found on the Hunger Hike website at hungerhike.org. If you wish to become a Hunger Hike2020 event sponsor, please email hungerhike@lumserve.org).

    Please mark your calendars for next year’s Hunger Hike
    — Sunday, September 20, 2020 —


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    Hunger Hike – HH5K Run registration


    Dine at Texas Roadhouse for Hunger Hike


    THIS Tuesday – 20% Donated to Hunger Hike

    texas-roadhouse-logo-300x152

    Support Hunger Hike while you enjoy your meal at Texas Roadhouse . Present the coupon to your server when you order and Texas Roadhouse will donate 20%  of your purchase to Hunger Hike.

    Here’s how it works…

    1. Print the Hunger Hike Coupon
    2. On Tuesday, October 1 from 4 to 10 p.m., go to Texas Roadhouse, 3615 SR 38 E, Lafayette
    3. Give “Coupon” to your server
    4. Hunger Hike gets 20% of your food sales — so, eat up!

    Please share this with others. THANK YOU. 



    The Texas Roadhouse Story


    It all began on February 17, 1993, when Kent Taylor opened the first Texas Roadhouse in Clarksville, Indiana.  Kent’s goal was to own not just a family restaurant and not just a steak restaurant, but a place where everyone, of all ages, could come and have a great meal and great fun for a great price.

    We like to brag about our Hand-Cut Steaks, Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs, Made-From-Scratch Sides, and Fresh-Baked Bread. Everything we do goes into making our hearty meals stand out. We handcraft almost everything we serve. We provide larger portions so you get more food for your dollar. And if you want an Ice Cold Beer or Legendary Margarita to wash it all down — well, we have those, too.

    Our food’s not the only thing that’s Legendary at the Roadhouse — our fun is too! From our line dancers to our jukebox to our friendly servers, you’ll enjoy every second you spend in a Texas Roadhouse.

    At Texas Roadhouse our team has an incredible sense of pride in everything we do. Our passion ensures you have a Legendary Experience every time.  Because of our passion for our guests and our communities, our team members are involved outside the restaurants in their local communities as a way to give back.

    The Texas Roadhouse story is simple. Legendary Food, Legendary Service®
    all with lots of Legendary Fun!


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    Hunger Hike


    The Official Hunger Hike 2019 T-Shirt

    Here is this year’s official Hunger Hike T-shirt.

    Everyone who raises more than $50 will be presented with a 2019 Hunger Hike T-shirt at check-in on Sunday, September 22 at Riehle Plaza. You can then wear it in pride knowing that YOU have made a difference in the Fight Against Hunger.

    It is not too late to start raising money for Hunger Hike — and secure your official 2019 T-shirt. Just go to the Hunger Hike website and get started today — hungerhike.org.