Celebrating 40 Years!
Hunger Walk is Launched!
1984
The first Hunger Walk Run(which was 10 miles long!) took place in 1984 at Stone Mountain State Park, where more than 1,000 participants turned out to raise $30,000. Because of its success, Hunger Walk became an annual event bringing together thousands of diverse community members to raise funds to fight poverty, food insecurity, and hunger in our neighborhoods.
Andrew Young Greets Hunger Walk Participants
1986
Civil Rights Leader and Former Mayor of Atlanta Andrew Young attended Hunger Walk on multiple occasions during his terms in office.
Hunger Walk Grows
1988
Hunger Walk continued as an all-volunteer effort until 1988 when it became a special project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, organized by staff, under the direction of Event Coordinator Jim Cheetham.
1989
Taking Steps to End Hunger in the 1990s
1990-93
A Year-Round Effort
1993
In 1993, the Gwinnett Extra featured an article highlighting the issue of hunger in our community and the need for Hunger Walk. Because of the amount of preparation required for the event, Jim Cheetham, Hunger Wal Run coordinator at the time, noted the year-long planning process required to execute a successful Hunger Walk every year.
Hunger Walk Run Celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary!
1994
Hunger Walk marked its 10-year anniversary in 1994 with 12,000 participants collectively raising $190,000.
Terri Aiken, a 1994 Hunger Walk participant, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “It’s a satisfaction within myself to know I’m helping others.”!
John Lewis Joins Bill Bolling and the Atlanta Community Food Bank in the Fight to End Hunger
1995
In 1995, Civil Rights Leader John Lewis attended Hunger Walk. He is photographed with Food Bank Founder Bill Bolling and Food Bank staff member, Carl Jaffar. Jaffar, who was then a Delivery Specialist and now serves as a Compliance Coordinator, is a trained photographer and helped document the 1995 event.
A Family-Friendly Festival
1995-1999
Hunger Walk continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1990s. This family-friendly event included speeches, live performances, group warm-ups and dances, visits from Atlanta mascots, carnival games, and other festivities.
Hunger Walk Moves to Turner Field
2000
As Hunger Walk continued to grow, it was moved to what was formerly known as Turner Field, now Center Parc Stadium, the home of the Georgia State Panthers. The event also expanded, welcoming runners to participate.
Hunger Walk Run Celebrates its 20-Year Anniversary!
2004
2004 marked the 20-year anniversary of Hunger Walk Run!
That year’s event raised over $200,000. In addition, there were 6,000 participants, 400 volunteers, and nearly 20 entertainment groups.
An Exercise in Community
2007
Atlanta Community Food Bank Founder, Bill Bolling (right), stands with David Abes (left), former chair of the Advisory Board. Bill’s 2007 Hunger Walk/Run shirt reads, “An Exercise in Community”.
Take the Next Step!
2012-2013
In 2012, Hunger Walk Run raised over $563,000 to help feed hungry neighbors, increasing that amount to nearly $630,000 in 2013!
Hunger Walk Run Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary!
2014
Hunger Walk/Run benefits six local hunger relief organizations that operate and support hundreds of food pantries, shelters, and community kitchens across metro Atlanta and north Georgia.
Participants and donors are encouraged to support the charity of their choice, tailoring giving to specific interests while contributing to broader, community-wide hunger relief efforts.
Handing off the Reins
2015-2016
After 36 years of leading the Atlanta Community Food Bank, founder Bill Bolling retired — handing the reins to Kyle Waide, Vice President of Partner Operations. Bill championed his last Hunger Walk/Run as CEO in 2015 but continued to stay involved as Kyle led the charge in 2016 as the Food Bank’s new CEO.
Continuing to Benefit Community Partners
2017
Hunger Walk Run would not have the impact it does without the commitment of our five benefiting partners — Episcopal Community Foundation for Middle and North Georgia, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Inspiritus, Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, and St. Vincent de Paul Georgia. These organizations support food pantries, community kitchens, shelters, and other programs for neighbors in need of food assistance. They help recruit participants and receive a percentage of the funds raised to support their direct hunger relief programs.
Hunger Walk Run Moves to The Home Depot Backyard!
2019
After years of being held at Center Parc Stadium, Hunger Walk Run moved to Mercedes Benz Stadium’s The Home Depot Backyard. In 2019, Hunger Walk Run welcomed over 10,000 walkers and runners to the new location.
Fighting for Hunger During the COVID-19 Pandemic
2020
A quick pivot to a virtual event allowed the Atlanta Community Food Bank to continue the efforts of Hunger Walk Run during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though gathering in one place was not an option, the Atlanta community rallied together to raise $613,000 for those in need of food during this crisis.
Virtual Hunger Walk Run Continues
2021
Due to the ongoing pandemic, participants walked or ran on their own, outside or on treadmills, and joined in posting about their participation on social media.
Returning to The Home Depot Backyard
2022-2023
In 2022, Hunger Walk Run returned to The Home Depot Backyard, but continued to offer a virtual option. The 2023 event continued in a hybrid format, raising over $950,000 for hungry neighbors.
Hunger Walk Run Celebrates its 40th Anniversary!
2024
Thank you for joining us in celebrating the 40th Anniversary milestone of Hunger Walk Run at The Home Depot Backyard!
