Category Archives: LUM

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 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 

T-Shirt Appointment Form

Every Fundraiser who raises at least $50 for Hunger Hike is entitled to a free Hunger Hike 2020 T-shirt. Sign up below to choose a time slot for picking up your T-shirt at the
LUM Office, 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN.

Hunger Hike T-Shirts – Sales This Weekend

The official Hunger Hike 2019 T-shirt (see photo) will be available this weekend at the Masses at St. Thomas Aquinas for a donation to Hunger Hike. Details are as follows:

  • Date/times:
    Saturday, 5:15-6:30 p.m.;
    Sunday, 8:45-10:30 a.m.; 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.;
    6:45-8:30 p.m.
  • Location: St. Thomas Aquinas, 535 W State Street, West Lafayette
  • Donation: 1 for $10, 2 for $15, 6 for $30

All proceeds will go to Hunger Hike 2019.
A limited number of past year’s Hunger Hike T-shirts will be available as well. 

Get ’em while they last! 

If you wish to VOLUNTEER selling T-shirts at St. Tom’s, click HERE.

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.

Hot Dog Picnic – Clowns – Massages & More

At Hunger Hike, there will be a Hot Dog Picnic with free hot dogs, bottled water & chips. Hunger Hike also includes clownsface paintingballoon animalsmassages, and voter registrationHunger Hike is thankful for the support of our many sponsors — including:

  • Printing – Instant Copy Printing, Lafayette
  • Bottled Water – Aqua Systems, Lafayette
  • Hot Dogs – Texas Roadhouse, Lafayette
  • Banners – Sign Art Etc., Lafayette
  • Trophies – Awards Unlimited, Inc., Lafayette
  • Massages – Essential Touch Massage, Lafayette
  • Face Painting & Balloon Animals – Smiles Unlimited Clown Ministry, Laffy-ette Chapter

Please show your appreciation for our Hunger Hike event sponsors by supporting and thanking them.

Music from RatPak’s “DJ Powder” Starts at Noon

DJ Powder from Rat Pak Mobile DJs will emcee and provide dance music at Hunger Hike.

DJ Powder creates a fun, family friendly, festive environment during the kick-off of Hunger Hike.

Join us THIS Sunday to enjoy music by DJ Powder of Rat Pak at the Hunger Hike kick-off event from Noon to 3:30 p.m. (Riehle Plaza).

Co-Chairs — Purdue Coaches Versyp & Kucik

The Hunger Hike 2019 honorary co-chairs are Purdue Coaches Sharon Versyp (women’s basketball) & Dave Kucik (men’s & women’s crew & rowing).

Coaches Versyp & Kucik are perfect ambassadors for Hunger Hike. Both set the bar high for their own work and their teams. They have a serious commitment to serving their community — especially in supporting food assistance and nutrition programs. You’ll get to meet them and the student-athletes on their teams as well as see a Purdue Crew team “shell.”

Join us THIS Sunday to meet and hear remarks from Coaches Sharon Versyp & Dave Kucik at the Hunger Hike kick-off event at 1:45 p.m. (Riehle Plaza).

Indiana State Rep. Klinker to Sing National Anthem

Sheila Klinker, Indiana State Representative, will kick-off Hunger Hike with the singing of the US National Anthem.

State Representative Sheila Klinker was first elected in 1982 to represent District 27. A proud Boilermaker alumna, Klinker taught for more than 34 years in the Lafayette School Corporation and served as the Outreach Liaison for the Purdue School of Education for 15 years. As a college student, Klinker was named “Miss Purdue” and finished as second runner-up in the “Miss Indiana” contest. Klinker lives in Lafayette with her husband, Victor. They have three children and five grandchildren.

Join us THIS Sunday to hear Sheila Klinker sing the National Anthem at the Hunger Hike kick-off event at 1:15 p.m. (Riehle Plaza).

Zumba Warm Up – Annual Hunger Hike Tradition

One of the highlights of Hunger Hike each year is the Zumba warm-up presented by Studio b Dance & Fitness (downtown Lafayette). Zumba will follow the National Anthem. 

Miss Brooke (studio owner) & Kasie (fitness instructor) will bring the Hunger Hike crowd to their feet with the annual Zumba warm-up. Studio b Dance & Fitness was recently recognized as the Small Business of the Year.

Join us THIS Sunday to participate in our Zumba warm-up with Miss Brooke & Kasie at the Hunger Hike kick-off event at 1:20 p.m. (Riehle Plaza).