Southington Bread for Life will be hosting the fourth annual Walk to End Hunger on Sunday, May 1. However, in one respect, the event has already started: board members are visiting local businesses to encourage sponsorships.
People can support on three levels. Hunger Warrior, Hunger Champion, Hunger Hero. Organizers said the $500 Hunger Warrior level provides 165 breakfasts to children in the Southington public schools who would otherwise start the day without nourishment. The $250 Hunger Champion level funds 85 hot lunches to qualifying citizens at the Main Street location where weekday meals are served. The $100 Hunger Hero sponsorship provides meals for homebound friends – seniors and others who are limited to being at home.

 Businesses are being encouraged to form teams of employees to represent them on the walk itself. The team that raises the most money will receive an award.
Bread for Life board members will also be talking to town department heads as well as members of the board of education, the town council, the fire department, the police department, etc. to challenge them to form teams as well as school clubs such as the Southington High School Key Club, Peer Advocates, STEPS students and any others who would like to be a part of the Walk to End Hunger. The student group that raises the most money will also be given an award.
The walk will take place (rain or shine) on Rails to Trails from 1 to 3 p.m., beginning and ending at the YMCA back parking lot on High Street. There will be several activities for kids, Valentine the Clown, a DJ, and a raffle going on during the walk, as well as fun challenges along the trail itself. There is no registration fee, but monetary donations from all participants will be welcome and encouraged.

 “So come on Southington, tie on those sneakers and join us on our continuing journey to feed the hungry right here in town,” said Eldon Hafford, Bread for Life executive director.