This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Bethlehem CROP Hunger Walk, as we join teams from around the United States in combating hunger both locally and globally. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 19.
The original CROP Walk (which is often called 
the “granddaddy of charity walks”) was organized by high school students in Bismarck, ND and York, PA in 1969, and has grown to include more than 1300 walks nationwide. Last year, Lehigh Valley walkers raised almost $42,000; nationwide, contributions totaled $3 million.
Historically, 25% of the funds raised have been retained locally for agencies that provide food assistance to neighbors in need. In 2025, we will be distributing funds to Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering, the Lehigh Conference of Churches, Essentials Café, the Freezer Ministry at East Hills Moravian Church, and New Bethany.
This year, as we commemorate the designation of Bethlehem’s Moravian district as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the route will take us past several historic spots; we’ll also visit Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering and Essentials Café. (There is a 2.5 mile option, and a one-mile section through downtown Bethlehem, so primarily flat/slight inclines.)
For the first time, our churches will also be joined by members of other members of the Bethlehem Interfaith Group and teams from local colleges and universities, making this a truly community-wide event. We’ll begin with a pizza lunch at Central Moravian Church at 1:00 p.m., with the walk itself beginning at 2:00 p.m.
With hunger both nationally and globally on the increase, we need both “boots on the ground” and generous sponsors to make this year’s walk a success. You can register to walk or to donate by clicking on this link (bit.ly/46MrtOg), or by stopping by the registration table in Fellowship Hall after Sunday worship.
Thanks in advance for supporting the CROP Hunger Walk, and for helping to eliminate hunger one step at a time!