100 Mile Hunger Walk

The 100 Mile Hunger Walk is an annual event founded by CWS's Chief Sustainability & Impact Officer, Maurice A. Bloem, in 2012 to raise awareness & funds to end hunger, poverty & injustice around the world. Inspired by the spirit of volunteerism behind the CWS-sponsored CROP Hunger Walk, a community-organized charity event that takes place in over 500 locations across the U.S. each year, Bloem set out on his own journey.

This year's 100 Mile will take place from October 7 - 11, 2024 in New Jersey and New York City. The fundraising campaign will run until the end of the fall and to help us reach our goal, you are even able to start their own fundraising page to engage your own community. We invite you and other advocates for a more just world to donate – and to join Maurice by walking in your own environments. All the proceeds go to support CWS's global programs that work to create a world where there is enough for all.

How does this week-long event work?

Each year Bloem walks 100 miles through our CWS & CROP communities & spends his time meeting with our CROP volunteer teams, our local agencies, local community members, political officials, students, artists, & other like-minded individuals. We wanted to uplift and find a way to celebrate the work of those who give so much to support their community through dedicating their time and lives to work towards our collective goal of creating a world where there is enough for all. Highlighting these stories and continuing to grow our impact is an ongoing endeavor.

In 2020, we had to adjust our approach, and that gave way for our Walk Talk Listen podcast to come to life. In this podcast, Bloem attempts to connect people & make this world a bit better by sharing opinions & experiences based on the belief that everyone’s perspective is true albeit partial. As we make our way back to walking within the neighborhoods and with the CROP community, October will mark 12 years of walking, and as our community grows, we hope so will our reach. We want to give you an opportunity to take part in this year's event as we continue raising funds and awareness to help end poverty, hunger and injustice all the while lifting up the US National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.

Are there ways beyond donating to get involved?

Of course! There are a couple of ways we’d love to connect with you, such as by meeting with you in person, walking together, or talking to you! If you’re in the NYC/NJ area and you have the time, come spend a few miles or a few minutes walking and talking with Maurice as he completes his 100 miles.

Not in the area? No problem! You can walk in your own backyard and send us a quick video telling us why you decided to walk and what it is that would push you to walk 100 miles in a week.

We know that we are greater in partnership than we are alone and that it’s deeply important for us to help each other achieve our goals. We would love to help you tell your story in a quick interview to share on the Walk Talk Listen podcast.

If you’re interested, please take a few moments to fill out this form to let us know how you’d like to be a part of this week.

Have any other ideas for a partnership? We are always looking to build our network with student organizations & academics and create more public-private partnerships. We love working with other like-minded individuals because we know that to create effective & successful development, inclusive & strong cooperation at all levels are key.

You can always subscribe & listen to the Walk Talk Listen Podcast including episodes from last year's 100 mile walk.

To learn about additional ways to get involved & join us this year, you can send us an email at innovationhub@cwsglobal.org. You can also stay in the loop for more announcements and to follow our journey, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.