The annual Labor Day Stamp Out Hunger 5K celebrated 10 years of raising money to end food insecurity by adding a 10K to the event this year.
Runners and walkers also chose to participate in either a 1 mile run or 5K. The chip timed event started and finished in front of the public safety building in downtown Medford. Hosted by the Zallie Community Foundation, the run saw hundreds of walkers, weekend joggers and competitive runners.
September is designated as Hunger Action Month and the run kicked off a month of fundraising.
“To date, the event has donated over $250,000 to the Food Bank of South Jersey, local food pantries, after-school programs, senior centers and other hunger-fighting groups that support South Jersey communities,” said race director Renee Zallie.
The Stamp Out Hunger 5K proceeds go directly to the food bank, while proceeds from event sponsorships benefits other area pantries. Along with the Zallie Community Foundation, run sponsors included McCarthy Weidler, Cold Technology and the Medford-Vincentown Rotary, Cento and Zallie Family Markets, Liscio’s bakery and Lynmar Builders.
Other sponsors were Merritt’s Service Station, The Running Co., Laura Bishop Communications, Jem Paving, Davis Physical Therapy, the Center for Counseling and Education, SCS Engineers and Stiles Dental Care.