5K and Meal-Packing Effort Launches in Kansas City, Today

The community is racing to eliminate hunger. Harvesters and the United Methodist Churches of the Heartland District are hosting the third annual De-Feet Hunger 5K and meal-packing effort on September 10. The event will begin at 8 a.m. at St. James United Methodist Church, located at 5540 Wayne Ave. in Kansas City. Walkers and runners of all ages are welcome.

After the race, at 9 a.m., volunteers and race participants will work together to pack 10,000 lunches for Harvesters, which will be given to at-risk youth and adults and utilized in disaster response situations.

"This September marks the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks. De-Feet Hunger 5K was created to do something positive in the world and to help others as a response to those attacks," said Jamie Kapke, chairperson of the event. "We plan to pack 10,000 lunches for Harvesters and help make a difference in our community. We are feeling good and doing good - all in one day."

Racers and meal-packing volunteers can register and learn more online at DeFeetHunger.com. Participants will enjoy music and other entertainment as they assemble lunches; this portion of the morning is free and open to the public.

The race is $30 per person and registration packets can be picked up at Country Club United Methodist Church on September 9 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. or on race day at St. James United Methodist Church from 7:15 a.m. until 8 a.m.

The De-Feet Hunger 5K is funded in part by an event grant from United Methodist Communications' Rethink Church initiative as a way to help local United Methodist churches in their efforts to join with their community to make a difference in the world.

About United Methodist Communications
As the communications agency for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Communications seeks to increase awareness and visibility of the denomination in communities and nations around the globe. The Rethink Church initiative highlights the many opportunities available within United Methodist churches to engage with the world - from literacy programs to feeding the poor. At RethinkChurch.org, visitors may interact, learn more about the church, and search for involvement opportunities.