Submitted by Rebecca Sutch for Bellingham Food Bank
May is here, and that means the return of Hunger Vs. Hunger! The innovative fundraising campaign for the Bellingham Food Bank was created by Ethan Hunger in 2021 and has continued to grow each year. With a series of community events leading to his annual 12K Calorie Challenge, Ethan creates meaningful and engaging ways for people to get involved with the cause.
His dedication to fighting food insecurity hasn’t gone unnoticed. This year, he won the Washington State Volunteer Service Award (WSVSA) for his hard work and Hunger Vs. Hunger’s “massive impact in helping address food insecurity in Bellingham.”
In 2021, Ethan set out to burn 10,000 calories with the goal of raising $10,000. With just two sponsors, very little planning, and one friend for company, he achieved his goal – and raised $28,036.
Last year, his goal was $100,000. He raised $254,358.
Five years after that first challenge in 2021, Ethan’s goal is now $300,000 – ten times what he first raised for the food bank.
Here’s how he – and the community – are going to do it.
The 12K Calorie Challenge is Back and Better Than Ever!
On July 19, Ethan will:
- Road bike to Artist Point – 120 miles
- HIIT workout at J.D. Elite – 1 hour
- Swim the length of Lake Whatcom – 11 miles
- Mountain bike at Galbraith – 7 miles
- Run to Fairhaven – 5 miles
Ethan welcomes anyone who’d like to join him along any part of his route. The HIIT class at J.D. Elite Fitness is open to the public and all proceeds will go to the food bank. The challenge will conclude at the Finish Line Party at Stones Throw Brewery.
Fun Ways to Get Involved
There are lots of exciting opportunities to get involved with Hunger Vs. Hunger this year!
Community events include:
- May 17 – Pickleball Tournament at the Armory
- May 23 – Ski to Sea Block Party at Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro
- June 2-7 – Fitness Fundraising Week at Basecamp Fitness
- June 14 – 5K Fun Run with Summit Sports
- July (all month!) – Get Fit for the Food Bank Challenge with Fairhaven Runners & Walkers
- July 19 – HIIT workout at J.D. Elite Fitness
- July 19 – Finish Line Party at Stones Throw Brewery
- July 26 – Collab Fundraiser Party at Beach Cat Brewing (Bellingham)
As of May 1, Fanatik Bike Co. will be raffling off a Specialized Status 2 140 mountain bike! The winner will be drawn on July 19 at 8:30 p.m. You won’t need to be present to win.
You can also watch the new Hunger Vs. Hunger documentary to see interviews and behind-the scenes footage from last year’s campaign! For the first time ever, Hunger Vs. Hunger will also have its very own newsletter.
Hunger Vs. Hunger Sponsors
This year, Hunger Vs. Hunger has over fifty sponsors! These sponsors donate money or raffle prizes, host events, and more, making all of this possible each year. If you’d like to be a sponsor, it’s not too late! Reach out to Ethan for more information.
This year, three sponsors – Bell Lumber and Pole, an anonymous donor through the Whatcom Community Foundation, and the Jerry H. Walton Foundation will all be matching donations!
More Important Than Ever Before
With major cuts to federal hunger relief programs this year, local food banks are struggling to keep up with the coinciding increase in need for their services.
When SNAP benefits were cut significantly in 2021 while people were still adjusting to the fallout of the pandemic, the Bellingham Food Bank saw a sharp increase in weekly visits, rising from 1,700 to 3,500. They now serve 5,000 households each week, making them the busiest food bank in Washington.
That’s about 25% of Whatcom County.
In addition to their free grocery program, the Bellingham Food Bank also offers a drive thru option as well as home delivery for those who are unable to come to the foodbank themselves. They also serve as a distribution hub, providing other Whatcom Food Banks with over 3 million pounds of food.
The Bellingham Food Bank is relying on community support more than ever to continue ensuring that everyone in Whatcom County has access to nutritious food. To help, you can donate or volunteer. You can also follow their newsletter to keep up to date.
