The Hearts For Hunger 5K Fun Run, a fundraiser for the Foodbank sponsored by the United Church of Hinesburg was a big success this year. More than 170 runners participated, up from 110 last year. The event raises money for the BackPack program.

For the BackPack program, bags of kid-friendly, nonperishable, vitamin-fortified food are packed and distributed to participating schools. Guidance counselors, school nurses and other staff identify students in need and send permission slips home to their parents explaining the program. More than 1,100 Vermont school children receive a BackPack each week.

The Fun Run raised close to $7000 for the program. “The children of Vermont are the direct beneficiaries of this event,” said Meaghan McKenna who was one of the organizers. Check out photos from the event below.

To find more Foodbank events, check out our Events page. From the Harpoon Point to Point to promotions like the Great American Milk drive there are a number of greatways you get get involved with the Foodbank.