ROCHESTER, Mich. – Dozens of people joined forces to combat food insecurity with a boo-tacular twist.
Nearly 300 runners and walkers wore costumes Sunday for the Scare Away Hunger 5K to help the nonprofit, Neighborhood House. Organizers told Local 4 this year marked the largest turnout.
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The organization provides food pantry services and wrap-around support for families in the Rochester area.
The increased participation reflects growing community awareness of local food insecurity, with one in four families in northern Oakland County living paycheck to paycheck or in poverty.
“This run and fun walk helps us to fund our food pantry. Annually, our food pantry will feed over 435,000 meals which is just outstanding,” said Michael Dreon, executive director of Neighborhood House. “In the past few years, we’ve really seen a lot of demand.”
The organization reports a 30 percent increase in demand two years ago, followed by an additional 25 percent surge last year, highlighting the growing need for food assistance in the community.
It’s a call participants can’t ignore.
“That’s what we’ve heard. A lot of people are still struggling like locals – like people that we know like families,” Dan Rea said. “So yeah, this is something important that we thought we’d do.”
The impact of Neighborhood House extends beyond immediate food assistance, as demonstrated by client Mary Ellen Ladouceur’s experience.
“I’ve been coming to the Neighborhood House probably since I moved to Rochester Hills. Back in 2007 I came to Rochester Hills out of a disastrous foreclosure. It was a tough time,” she shared.
The event, which combines physical activity with charitable giving, has become a significant annual fundraiser for Neighborhood House’s food pantry operations.
As food costs continue to rise, the organization’s services have become increasingly vital for local families facing financial challenges.
For more information about Neighborhood House services or to contribute to their food pantry, visit www.ranh.org or call 248-651-5836.
The food pantry is located at 1315 North Pine Street, Rochester, MI 48307.