50th Erie CROP Hunger Walk raises money to feed the hungry. How to participate

Ten years before Band Aid sang “Feed the World,” Erie churches and groups teamed up to form the now-annual CROP Walk, which raises money to combat hunger in Erie and around the world. On Sunday, Sept. 28, it will be the 50th time they’ve done so.

“It started in the early 1970s, and it happened across the nation,” said Erie’s organizational leader, Jim Haas. “People from all over Erie came together to help fight hunger.”

One of several hundred walks across the country and in 65 countries, the CROP Walk, even continued during the pandemic, when organizers asked people to walk on their own and still raise money from their family members, friends and co-workers to ease hunger pains across the world and here in Erie.

“We have given grants to over 40 organizations around Erie that have a food component to them,” Haas said.

In that time, Erie alone has raised more than $3 million for the cause, keeping $800,000 in Erie County. In fact, Erie’s CROP Walk raises the most money of any CROP Walk in Pennsylvania.

“I don’t want people to think it’s a competition,” Haas said. “But it’s great to know how passionate people are in this city about helping the hungry.”

Of the roughly 600 CROP walks that take place annually in the U.S., he said, Erie’s is No. 8 in walkers and money raised.

“We’ve been pleased by the response our local groups have to this mission,” Haas said.

He said 25 percent of what’s raised goes to local groups and 75 percent goes to a worldwide organization known as CWS, which distributes funds to getting nutritious food and safe water to those who need it. CWS serves communities plagued by disaster, it aids refugees and advocates for groups of hungry people who have no other voice.

Join the 50th walk

The Erie event starts at Presque Isle State Park’s Beach One Sept. 28 at 9 a.m., and walkers can choose between a 1-mile or 5.3-mile loops. Haas, 76, has been leading the way for 11 years. He and his wife, Karen Haas, walk regularly, he said, so they’ll be doing the 5.3 miles.

He said nearly every year the CROP Walk raises more money. “Three years ago, we brought in $75,000, then $78,000 and (in 2024) we raised $89,000. This year we’re shooting for $100,000.”

He knows that turnout for the walk depends on the weather, but he said that people are free to donate to the walk without walking. To give money to the CROP Walk, they can visit Erie County CROP Hunger Walk, call 814-449-1615, or send email to [email protected].

Haas is a retired pastor, last serving at Wayside Presbyterian Church. He said people come from all parts of Erie, bringing dogs, kids, strollers, and the money they’ve raised.

He said the success of Erie’s CROP Walk starts with a “consistent approach by a core group of churches and organizations.”

“That builds trust that lasts a long time,” Haas said. of marketing and putting on the walk event, including permitting, rental equipment and promotion.

He said his favorite part of the walk is just seeing people come together to help the hungry, especially families. He said he and his wife brought their children when they were growing up.

“It provides a number of teachable moments to help young people understand what it means to help others.”