Hunger and poverty are problems that impact communities around the world. Locally, here in the Quad Cities, we know the struggle. We see it around us, and know the work of the community to end it. Nationally and globally, hunger and poverty are also a problem. Every night, 1 in 7 people in the world go to bed hungry. In the United States, more than 17 million households, or 14.5 percent of Americans don't know where their next meal may come from.¹

In October, the community is coming together to end hunger both locally and globally. Starting with churches in the community, and including local businesses, schools, and the entire community, the 43rd annual Quad Cities CROP Hunger Walk has been planned for Sunday, October 5th at 2:00 p.m. Our walk, which is the only bi-state CROP Hunger Walk in the nation, will raise funds to go toward hunger alleviation efforts both in the Quad Cities and through the work of Church World Service around the world. The 600 or so walkers also raise awareness of the struggle families dealing with hunger and poverty face on a daily basis.

"Here in our area, 25 percent of funds raised will go to local hunger programs which make a real impact for families dealing with hunger and poverty in our community. These funds really do make a difference in peoples lives in our community," said Rick Martin, coordinator of the Quad Cities CROP Hunger walk.

"The money and awareness raised by the more than 70 CROP Hunger Walks across Iowa make a huge difference in the lives of people around the world," said Jordan Bles, Church World Service Assistant Field Director for the Iowa Region. "$110 raised is the equivilant of an emergency food package - locally purchased and culturally appropriate enough for a family of five for one month. $300 equals 10 meters of a shallow borehole well for a community desperate for clean, safe water and sustainable food security."

Everyone is invited to participate, and play a part in ending hunger both in the Quad Cities area and around the world. For more information, please contact Rick Martin (qccrophungerwalk@gmail.com).

Modern Woodmen home office employees attempt to pack 50,000 meals for the hungry

Rock Island, Illinois - Hunger is a serious epidemic for some in the Quad Cities and Modern Woodmen of America is stepping up to make a difference for food-insecure families in the community. On Friday, August 15 Modern Woodmen will host an Outreach, Inc. food-packaging event from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Modern Woodmen printing and shipping building (2015 2nd Avenue, Rock Island). Interview opportunities will be available.

Nearly 450 Modern Woodmen employees will take part in the food packaging event to provide 50,000 meals for River Bend Foodbank. Modern Woodmen will cover the cost the ingredients and supplies to package the meal. Each meal costs 25 cents.

Bags of delicious and nutritious macaroni and cheese will be packaged, sealed and boxed for distribution at River Bend Foodbank's mobile food pantry on Aug. 23, also sponsored by Modern Woodmen. The packaged meals, developed by Outreach, Inc., are high in vitamins, protein, calcium and other nutritious items.

This event is one of many fraternal projects sponsored by Modern Woodmen as part of the summer-long campaign to Knock Out Hunger.

Knock Out Hunger campaign

This year, Modern Woodmen has selected River Bend Foodbank to support through its Knock Out Hunger campaign. Modern Woodmen employees and members will donate time, money and food to the food distribution center throughout the summer.

The culmination of the Knock Out Hunger campaign is a 5K charity run, walk and kids' fun run on September 20. Families across the Quad Cities are invited to participate in the event located in the District of Rock Island. All proceeds will benefit River Bend Foodbank.

River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing more than 8 million pounds of food annually to feed the hungry. The Foodbank serves more than 10,000 individuals every week through its distribution network of 300 charitable feeding programs in a 22-county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal financial services organization offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

Churches United of the Quad City Area has received a $25,000.00 grant from The Doris & Victor Day Foundation. This award supports the direct services that Churches United provides in the Quad City Area. We are very grateful for their generosity.

Churches United operates 25 food pantries and 3 hot meal sites in the Quad Cities, and Winnie's Place, a shelter serving women (and their children) who are homeless and/or victims of domestic violence.

Churches United has a 53-year history of reaching out to our community. Its 134 member churches represent 50,000 people from the Quad City Area. For information about services offered, or ways to support Churches United, call 563-332-5002, or visit our website at www.CUQCA.org.

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Time to put your thinking caps on and join the folks over at All Saints Episcopal Church, at 2420 41st St. in Moline, Illinois, in a trivia night!

On Saturday August 16th they will be hosting a night of fun, featuring Mister Trivia, to raise money for their upcoming mission trip to Belize. There they will be volunteering their time and efforts at Holy Cross Anglican School where they will help in providing education for the poorest residents.

Entry fee for the trivia game is $10 per person, raffle prizes will be available, a 50/50 raffle will be held, and there will be food and beverages available for sale.