Principia’s CROP Hunger Walk Team a Leader in Fundraising

The annual St. Louis CROP Hunger Walk returned Sunday, October 25, albeit virtually. And the Principia College community proved to be a leading contributor to the event’s efforts to raise funds to alleviate hunger locally, nationally, and globally. The CROP project was organized in 1947 when farmers were asked to donate food and seed crops to communities in post-World War II Europe and Asia. It became known as the Christian Rural Overseas Program—CROP. Today, CROP Hunger Walks are ecumenical activities held throughout hundreds of communities. Funds raised by CROP Hunger Walks go to local food banks and pantries as well as to support the global mission of Church World Service, a faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster.

This was the fourth year that Principia participated in the St. Louis CROP Hunger Walk, which is traditionally held at Eden Theological Seminary. The pandemic required the walk to be virtual this year, prompting Principia participants to create their own path. Using the campus’s cross country course, nearly three dozen College students and employees walked either a one- or three-mile route. Some exceeded the distance. And other Principians participated by walking closer to their homes.

With over $5,500 raised, the Principia Virtual CROP Hunger Walk Team ranked first out of 16 St. Louis area teams for both fundraising and the number of walkers. Principia’s women’s tennis team, which raised nearly $1,200 in additional money, placed second for number of walkers and sixth in fundraising.

“It was inspiring to see students from six houses, two women’s sports teams, faculty from six departments, and staff from eight offices walking, and numerous Principians generously donating to alleviate hunger in St. Louis and around the world,” associate professor of religious studies and Principia virtual CROP Hunger Walk team member Dr. Barry Huff says. “Many thanks to everyone who participated for exemplifying Micah’s message that what God requires of us is ‘to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8 NRSV).”

Sophomore Gracie Paul was glad to participate this year. “It was amazing to see so many students and faculty come together to support a great cause, and I felt such an overwhelming sense of love,” she reflected. “I felt a personal love for the Principia community but could also feel Principia loving the world.”

Huff was especially grateful for the Principia community’s participation during this difficult year, saying, “It enabled hungry families to experience tangibly the promise of Jesus’ beatitude: ‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled’ (Luke 6:21 NRSV).”

If you weren’t able to participate in this year’s CROP Walk, but would like to contribute to the cause, donations can be made online until December 2.