The Atlanta Community Food Bank will host its 42nd annual Hunger Walk Run on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at The Home Depot Backyard, with a virtual participation option also available. This community event, which has raised over $16 million for hunger relief since 1984, arrives as the food bank confronts unprecedented demand for assistance, making this year's fundraising efforts particularly vital for the region.
Each registration directly translates to meals for the community: walkers help provide 90 meals, while runners contribute 120 meals. The funds support not only the Atlanta Community Food Bank but also five other local hunger relief organizations. Kyle Waide, President & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, emphasized the event's significance, stating it rallies thousands from the community to take steps toward fighting hunger and enables the organization to connect neighbors with nutritious food and resources.
The hybrid 5K event welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities, with options to participate as individuals, families, groups, or teams. On-site festivities include music, food vendors, warm-ups, and a dedicated Kids Zone with bounce houses and interactive activities. The event proceeds rain or shine, reflecting the unwavering commitment to addressing food insecurity.
For those unable to attend in person, the virtual Hunger Walk Run allows participation from any location on March 15 or at a convenient time. Participants can walk in their neighborhoods, use treadmills, or cycle, with the event page featuring suggested outdoor trails. The food bank encourages virtual participants to share their involvement on social media using the hashtag #HWR2026.
Online registration is available through 12 pm on March 13, with rates set at $30 for walkers, $40 for runners, $25 for virtual participants picking up shirts, and $32 for those having shirts mailed. Walk-up registration will incur an additional $5 fee per entry type. As the Southeast's largest food bank, the organization works with over 700 nonprofit partners across 29 counties, having distributed its one billionth meal in 2023.
The importance of this event extends beyond immediate fundraising; it fosters community engagement in addressing a systemic issue that affects thousands of families, children, and seniors annually. With food insecurity at peak levels, the Hunger Walk Run represents a critical mobilization of resources and public awareness, ensuring that nutritious meals reach those in need across metro Atlanta and north Georgia.
