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CONTACT: Tessa T. Barnes 1-888-297-2767 E-mail: tbarnes@churchworldservice.org c/o Church World Service 900 Jorie Blvd. Ste. 32 Oak Brook, IL 60523

Monday, October 8, 2007 CROP Hunger Walk Sets $100,000 Goal to Fight Hunger & Poverty

CHICAGO -- Here in the United States, if you're hungry and so inclined, a fast-food restaurant is generally around the corner to satisfy your pangs, says Janet Young. "But other people in less developed countries have to walk at least six miles for food," says the Co-Director of the Chicago CROP Hunger Walk, Janet Young. "Then they have to walk home to cook it." Americans have it good compared with much of the rest of the world. With that in mind, about 1000 people are expected to take part in the 25th annual CROP Hunger Walk Sunday, October 21 to raise funds to fight global poverty and hunger. The 10K route starts and end at the UIC Student Center East, reminiscent of the long treks some people in third-world nations have to complete just to assure sustenance. Organizers hope to raise $100,000 to combat poverty and hunger through local and international hunger fighting agencies. "We are so blessed in the United States," said Antjuna Coleman, a sophomore at Indiana University. Antjuna took part in the event long distance via on-line giving. "I just want to help in some way. This is a great way for me to join others and make a difference even though I am not there to walk.“ CROP stands for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty and similar walks are held at varied times in communities around the country. Church World Service, an international relief organization, typically uses 75 percent of the money raised to fight poverty around the world with the remainder going to organizations in participating communities. Chicago hunger agencies that have benefited from the event include: Marcy Newberry Association; Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation; Chicago Uptown Ministries; Episcopal Hunger Commission; Archdiocese of Chicago, Peace & Justice Office; Presbytery of Chicago Hunger Mission Team; Comedor Popular; Interfaith Council for the Homeless and Humboldt Park Social Services. Chicago CROP Walk Information Sunday, October 21, 2007 Registration: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. / Step Off: 2:15 p.m. Student Center East on UIC Campus 750 S. Halsted St., Chicago www.chicagocropwalk.org Pre-walk activities include musical performance by mission band, Last Minute Music, a silent auction and Top Walker Prizes. The Jessie White Tumblers are expected to perform at the end of the walk. # # #