Before kitchens across the state begin to buzz with the excitement of Thanksgiving dinner preparations, thousands of Minnesotans come together at Mall of America® to celebrate as a community, fight hunger insecurities, and learn about the important role of food shelves in our communities.
The Walk to End Hunger is an annual fundraising walk held at Mall of America on Thanksgiving morning, attracting more than 5,000 Minnesotans who want to give back before giving thanks. Together, Minnesotans have raised more than $3 million since 2008 to help support hunger relief organizations working to eliminate hunger in the Twin Cities metro area, with 100% of the net proceeds going to local hunger relief agencies.
For three hours each Thanksgiving morning, Minnesotans walk, pack food, participate in kids’ art projects, and learn about the impact food pantry resources have had on their neighbors.
With the onset of COVID-19, food insecurities went up 400% as many families had to use food assistance programs for the first time. In response to the drastic increase in need, MOA and Walk to End Hunger pivoted to a No-Hunger November campaign to raise awareness and funds for the entire month of November, an addition we’re keeping.
The first step in supporting our neighbors and friends is to understand what they’re going through and how we can help. The Walk to End Hunger is a tradition that does that and more, bringing the community together in gratitude and friendship on a day meant for togetherness.