POUGHKEEPSIE, New York - In recognition of November as Hunger Awareness Month at Marist, members of the student body participated in the 2023 Hunger Walk. Organized by the Department of Spiritual Life & Service, the annual event serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for local organizations battling hunger. Many student-athletes attended the walk alongside other student organizations to bring attention to local and national food insecurity.

Marist President Kevin Weinman, was present as well, speaking to the hundreds of students gathered at Champagnat Hall, before he too participated in the event.

Attendees made their way past Tenney Stadium and out to the sidewalk of Route 9, heading north. They eventually re-entered school grounds through the main gate and back to their starting point at Champagnat Hall, completing their route. This allowed the display to be seen by many motorists, with several acknowledging the procession by honking in solidarity.



For men's lacrosse player and senior John Kelly, the Hunger Walk represents an opportunity to have a meaningful effect on the community while also connecting with fellow members of the student body.

"Participating in the Hunger Walk every year holds great significance amongst members of our team as it kicks off Hunger Month on campus." said Kelly, "My teammates and I take great pride in giving back and we have a team goal to make a positive difference in our community whenever we can. We always enjoy participating in events like the Hunger Walk with our fellow student-athletes and members of the Marist community!"

Marist's student-athletes have a great understanding of the role that events such as the Hunger Walk play. Senior and co-captain of the Marist volleyball team, Vanessa Zolg, elaborated further on why participation of these events is critical to being a part of Marist Athletics and the college at large.

"One of the big things we focus on in this program is community service, and the Hunger Walk is a critical part of that," said Zolg. "Food insecurity is a really big issue in Dutchess County and it is not often talked about. Helping to make sure sure kids have food in the morning before school, is just one of many reasons why being out here is important!"

Seeing the continued participation of Marist student-athletes in events such as the Hunger Walk is greatly encouraging to the senior members of both Marist's Academic and Athletic Administrations. For Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator, Elizabeth Donohue, it is indicative of the values Marist Athletics works to instill in all of its athletes.

"I love that so many student-athletes carry on the tradition of participating in the Hunger Walk each year," said Donohue. "Today was a great turnout by so many of our athletic programs representing their commitment to leadership and community service."



We at Marist Athletics thank all of those that participated in this year's event, and look forward to it again next year.