By Patty Roy

Claire Johnson has been on the Oxford Ecumenical Council for seven years, and this is her third year in charge of the of Oxford CROP Hunger Walk that takes walkers from all eight of the town’s churches as well as people who are committed to  “ending hunger one step at a time.”

The goal this year is to $2500 though walker sponsorships or online donations, Johnson said. The money goes to Church World Services to help families who are struggling with hunger in communities around the world and in Oxford.

The walk starts at First Congregational Church , 355 East Main Street at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15.

“It’s usually a nice day and a nice walk,” said Johnson. “Everybody’s welcome.”

Anywhere from 20 – 50 walkers turn out for the event, she said, but they really encourage young walkers to join.

“I think they’re the real influencers,” she said.

The day starts off with a meet-up at First Church , along with the greetings there is a group prayer and a prayer over the group, she said.

The walk is an easy one over flat ground and it’s a fun chance to explore the streets of your hometown. 

It’s really nice to talk together and at the end, all the walkers stay for pizza and treats brought by the walkers.

The money raised goes to the international CROP hunger Walk organization, but 25 percent is returned to Oxford for the Ecumenical Council Food Shelf pantry that is located in the Oxford Community Center basement.

“That’s huge,” Johnson said, because the Food Shelf is able to shop at the Worcester Food Bank, buying in bulk at reduced prices. 

High school students, elementary and middle school students can all make a bug impact, she said, not just by participating, but by holding canned goods and clothing drives.

Anyone who wants to avail themselves of what the Community Shelf offers, can show up at “shopping times” from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. People are allowed to get food two times a month, or three times in a month that has five Thursdays.

They must register before they shop, but typically will be allowed to shop with a helper the first time they show up.

Besides food, the Food Shelf stocks personal items like soap, deodorant and toothpaste.

There are canned goods, frozen foods, non-perishables and in season fresh produce from the Share Garden. There have been over 2000 visits in the decade between 2010 and 2020 to the Food Shelf food pantry,

On an international level, a donation of just $17 will provide a family with chicken which will supply protein -rich eggs. Water filters can be had for a $30 donation, offering clean water for drinking, washing and cooking. A refugee to the U.S. can get a week’s worth of groceries for $75.

Over 2000 communities join in the annual walk. 

The volunteers at the Food Shelf want you to let anyone in Oxford who is having a hard time feeding themselves or their children, they should go to the Food Shelf where they will be gladly helped.