300 march in Youngstown 'to end hunger one step at a time'

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Even though Casey Brookbank turned 8 Saturday, the Prospect Elementary School second-grader was in more of a mood to give than to receive.

“We have to remember that we have it real easy, like having food and water. We’re here to honor people who have it a little harder than us,” said Casey’s mother, Mandie Brookbank of Girard.

Mandie summed up the main reason she and the family took part in Sunday’s annual CROP Walk for Hunger, which got underway at Unitarian Universalist Church, 1105 Elm St., on the North Side.

At least 300 people of all ages participated in the 5-kilometer walk, themed “Ending hunger one step at a time.” Money raised is to go to Church World Service, a 68-year-old cooperative, interfaith ministry that works with partners to eradicate poverty and hunger while promoting peace and justice worldwide.

In addition to fighting hunger, the effort is to help people better feed themselves and be more self-sufficient, including raising their own food, noted the Rev. Nora Smith, pastor of Word of God Fellowship Church in Canfield and the CROP Walk’s chairwoman.