Lace Up to Fight Hunger: Center for Food Action Hosts 4th Annual 5K Run/Walk

(RIDGEFIELD, NJ) — The Center for Food Action (CFA) hosted its 4th annual 5K run/walk at Overpeck County Park on Saturday, May 3.  More than 200 people participated in the race, donating money to CFA to help prevent food insecurity in northern New Jersey.

https://youtu.be/Izq4fmWLb6o

Before the runners and walkers took their mark, they stood at the center of the amphitheater to hear a few words from the CFA’s executive board and Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur.

“So I just want to say with so much gratitude, thank you for stepping up, and Bergen County is going to continue to work hard.”  CFA is a very critical partner in this conversation,” Zur said to the crowd. “You guys are constantly leading the way. The work that you’re doing is extremely critical. [We’re asking ourselves] what are best practice is, how do we do more, how do we raise more awareness, and you are the critical ambassadors in that conversation. Let’s keep the walk moving. Keep the energy flowing because we need to fight hunger and end hunger here in Bergen County.”

Nicole A. Davis, the executive director for CFA, thanked sponsors like Englewood Health and Community Baptist Church, then introduced Deborah Slaughter, a certified Zumba instructor from Mocha Moms for a quick warm up.

Kyuman Lee, who participates in local races, won first place with a personal record of 17 minutes and 30 seconds.

“It’s amazing,” Lee said. “I never thought I was gonna, you know, have first place. I’ve participated in a lot of local races. This is my first time winning a 5K race.”

The president of CFA, Dr. Menen Mathias-Fredericks, is grateful for the turnout of the event. 

“I think it’s important for people to know how much CFA does in Bergen County, northern New Jersey,” Mathias-Fredericks said. “And I think this is an important event that’s only going to get larger.”

CFA raised over $30,000 in donations and sponsors toward their mission to fight food insecurity.