Approximately one-third of the residents in Cumberland County have a challenge of food insecurity or limited access to healthy foods, according to Laura Lupton, local CROP Hunger Walk coordinator and Presbyterian pastor. The Cumberland County CROP Hunger Walk will take place in Downtown Fayetteville on March 30. The pre-walk activities begin at 2 p.m. and the step off is at 3 p.m. Hay Street United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church-Anderson are co-hosts of the event. Church World Service and Fayetteville Urban Ministry are partners in the walk. The fundraising goal is $20,000. The donations will provide funds for critical services such as emergency housing and food, addressing severe medical costs, and self-sufficiency resources.
Lupton shares the inspiration for the event.
“The CROP Hunger Walk inspires learning about local, global, innovative ways to create partnerships for the creation of healthy, safe futures. They are reminded about innovations in poverty relief such as building sand dams, cooperatives of women cultivating honey production, Friend-to-friend mentoring, and home repair skills for youth to help senior citizens age in place. My passion intersects my inspiration, many people personally know the financial hardship or loss from natural disasters such as Hurricane Matthew and Florence, persons who lost their jobs due to injury and illness, or downsizing. How do the persons of this population put food on the table?” Lupton said.
“Negative stereotypes imposed by society can impede successful economic and social navigation within the community. We come together in CROP to show solidarity and provide resources.”
Lupton talked about the length of the walk, focusing on the distance and what it represents.
“The design of CROP Hunger Walk is based on persons around the world who have to walk miles to have access to drinkable water. The length of CROP Walk was at one time ten miles. Ten miles was representative of the average distance for drinkable water in an emerging country. We walk in solidarity with these persons.”
In addition to the walk, CWS kits will also be available. These kits contain various supplies for those in need. For more information regarding CWS kits, visit https://www.CWSkits.org.
“We are passionate about the CROP Hunger Walk; we are increasing awareness of global and local poverty. No one is immune from being suddenly stripped of earthly comforts and finding themselves displaced and broke,” Lupton said.
“The Church World Service is experiencing the impacts of the abrupt and sweeping halt of the U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID). One of the impacts is dire consequences for many communities. Church World Service will be the only organization providing sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty. The annual CROP Hunger Walks raise significant funds for the critical work of Church World Service,” she said. “CROP Hunger Walk is open to anyone or any group who wants to participate. The past participants have been persons in strollers to mature citizens over one hundred.”
Participation in the CROP Hunger Walk is free; however, donations are welcome. The Facebook fundraiser connects to the participants' registration page so they can see their progress. Cash and checks can be turned in at the event.
“The CROP Hunger Walk is a great way to see our churches come together for a common goal of loving our neighbors. The Walk is a great way to meet our neighbors who care about the hurting and hungry in our area,” Lupton said.
Create a family and personal tradition by starting a team, donating, or being an individual walker. For more information, contact Lupton at 910-818-9938 or by email at CumberlandCropWalk@gmail.com. Updates can be found on the Fayetteville CROP Walk Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FayettevilleCROPWalk/

(Photo: A participant in the CROP Hunger Walk in 2024 poses with a Hunger Fighter frame. The CROP Walk will take place in downtown Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of Laura Lupton)