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ELWOOD, Ind. (Nov. 20, 2023)
The 12th Annual Run to Crush Hunger was a record-breaking event raising $103,667.24. The event was held on October 21st, and the race proceeds were presented to Second Harvest Food Bank and the Morrisett Center Food Pantry on Wednesday, November 15th. With the help of the Virtual Race option, the 10K, 5K and one-mile family walk, the event drew a crowd of 727 participants from 97 different cities and twenty-two states, in addition to hundreds of spectators and festival goers who came with the goals to sample delicious food and cheer on the participants.
“Our appreciation goes out to all of our 2023 participants, volunteers, vendors, and of course our sponsors as this event would not be possible without the help from our community.” said Emily Ault, Race Director. Each race participant’s entry provides 120 meals to families affected by food insecurity in Central Indiana. “We are proud of the continued growth and success of the race each year. As the race grows and our donation hits an all-time record, we are encouraged by the mission of crushing hunger in our communities,” said Ault.
One in seven Americans struggle with keeping food on the table, in Indiana alone, one in six Hoosiers struggle with hunger. In East Central Indiana, 1,009,710 people (about the population of Delaware) are not able to provide food for themselves or their families, 33% of these individuals are children living in low-income households who face the threat of hunger daily. Since the race’s inception in 2012, more than $700,000 has been raised in the effort to fight hunger; providing over 2,700,000 meals in local Hoosier communities. “This Madison County celebration is a popular venue and has quickly become a premier annual celebration that gives back to Indiana small towns and communities in so many ways,” said Colt Reichart, Senior Director of Marketing & Consumer Relations at Red Gold. “Crushing hunger is the goal but so is having an impact on the Indiana youth and families who continue to participate and benefit more from active lifestyles.”
‘Crush Hunger Saturday’ is a family, friendly day of fun which includes the Annual Run to Crush Hunger, Annual Red Gold Chili Cook-Off, Colts Blue Saturday, Indiana Craft Beer and Wine Garden, vendor booths and great entertainment. This year marked the 35th Annual Red Gold Chili Cook-Off and the celebration boasted great attendance and community participation. “The participants, sponsors, community involvement and volunteers were the recipe for success,” says Reichart.
Special thanks go out to Elwood Mayor Todd Jones, Mayor’s Administrative Assistant Mandy Stout, Elwood Economic and Community Development Director Christy Clark, Elwood Police Department, Elwood Fire Department, Elwood Street Department, all the community and Red Gold volunteers, and several other city services for all their efforts in making this day possible! Anyone who is interested in learning more about this event can visit www.CrushHungerSaturday.com.
About Red Gold
Four generations of the Reichart family have been producing the world’s freshest, best tasting tomato products since 1942. When the US entered WWII, the government asked citizens to step up and help the war effort and the call was answered. Since then, Red Gold has become one of the largest privately owned tomato processors in the nation with three state-of-the-art facilities in Elwood, Geneva, and Orestes, Indiana. The company also boasts a 1.25 million square foot distribution center in Alexandria and operates the subsidiary RG Transport trucking fleet in Elwood. Red Gold partners with local family farms across Indiana, southern Michigan, and Northwest Ohio to sustainably produce premium quality canned tomatoes, ketchup, sauces, salsas, and juices for foodservice, private brands, brands, export, co-pack, club, and retail channels of distribution. The Red Gold family of consumer brands includes Red Gold, Redpack, Tuttorosso, Tomato Love, and Sacramento. Superior Quality, Outstanding Service and Operational Excellence are the shared values that contributed to the employee-created mission statement: “To produce the freshest, best tasting tomato products in the world.” Visit our award-winning websites for great recipes, tips culinary inspiration, products and more at www.RedGoldTomatoes.com & www.RedGoldFoodservice.com