Walk-a-thon in New Haven to highlight hunger

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A walk-a-thon will be held in New Haven this weekend, putting a spotlight on a problem that many probably take for granted: hunger.

Thousands of our friends and neighbors struggle to put food on the table making the efforts of volunteer agencies as critical as ever.

Volunteers are as busy as ever at FISH of Greater New Haven, an organization that delivers cereal, canned goods and other non-perishable items to people in the community in desperate need.

"People like to think it's getting better, but down here in the trenches the need is greater than ever, we're serving 18 percent more than we did last year," said Marsha Royster, FISH of Greater New Haven.

On Sunday, the 16th annual Cook-and-Care walk-a-thon will be held at Edgerton Park in New Haven.

The money raised will help FISH, Interfaith Volunteer Care-fivers, the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen and the Community Soup Kitchen.

And if you think hunger is only a big city problem, think again.

"If you talk to people in the Guilford/Madison area there are a surprising number of people in what people consider to be a pretty wealthy area that are going to food pantries and soup kitchens, it's a growing problem all over the state," said David O'Sullivan, Community Soup Kitchen.

For more information or to find out how you can help visit the Cook-and-Care website .