FAQ
Event Details
Which event should I register for?
If you want to walk with us in person on May 4th, be sure to register for the in-person event. On-site registration will be available on event day at Fort Steilacoom Park, but we encourage you to register early if you want to join us at the park.
Still not comfortable going to an in-person event or will you be outside of Pierce County on event day? Register for the virtual event to participate with us in spirit. We’ll be streaming live from Fort Steilacoom Park on May 4th so you can still be part of the fun on event day.
How can I participate virtually?
We will livestream from our in-person event on May 4th so our virtual participants can be part of the fun! Virtual participants will receive an event shirt and PDF format bib that you can print and wear for your walk.
Will there be ongoing activities throughout the month?
The Hunger Walk will officially conclude on May 4th, but fundraising pages will stay open through the end of the month. We encourage you to keep fundraising during May as part of Hunger Awareness Month. Virtual registration will remain open through May if you miss the event date and still want and event shirt or to make a fundraising page.
How will I get my event shirt?
Individuals who sign up for the in-person event will be able to pick up their shirt at packet pick-up during event week or one the morning of the event. If you register for the virtual event, you will be asked if you would like to pick up your shirt at packet pick-up or have your shirt mailed to you.
Please note registration deadlines. If you want to be guaranteed a shirt in your desired size by May 4th, you will need to register on or before April 5th. We will have extra shirts at packet pick-up and on event day, but cannot guarantee we will have a shirt in your desired size if you register for the event after April 5th.
Is there a chip-timed 5K this year?
We have made the decision to discontinue the timed 5k portion of the Hunger Walk. This will allow all participants to start the event together. Thank you to everyone who has run with us in the past, we hope you will continue to join us for our event.
What is the event route?
We’ll start near the pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park, head towards Waughop Lake, circle the lake three times, and then head back to the pavilion. The distance is about 3.33 miles (just a little bit longer than a 5K).
Is the route/event space accessible?
Our primary event area is on grass and does have some slight bumps and uneven areas, but there is a paved path in and out of the event space by the lot with accessible parking spots. Our walk route is primarily on paved walkways, with the exception being the start/finish line which is on grass. Our team can help participants find a safe way to get on and off the route if a grassy path is not accessible.
Will water be provided on the course?
Water will be provided on multiple spots along the course. We will also have a booth with beverages and snacks at the main event site.
About EFN
Who am I helping at the Hunger Walk?
Proceeds from the Hunger Walk will help EFN provide Pierce County with a consistent, diverse, and nutritious food supply so that no person goes hungry. Each month, EFN provides our network of more than 75 partner food pantries, meal sites, and shelters with more than one million pounds of food, at no cost to them. EFN also provides direct service to community members through our Home Delivery Program, providing food delivery to more than 250 families each week.
What impact does Emergency Food Network have in Pierce County?
Unfortunately, food insecurity is a problem in every community in America, including Pierce County. In 2023, we saw a significant increase in visits to our partners from 2022 as households struggled to make ends meet while dealing with historic inflation rates. Families experiencing food insecurity often share that they pay for rent, housing, transportation, and medicine and then use whatever is left for food. For many families, there simply isn’t enough money left over after all their other bills are paid. Visiting one of our Partner Programs gives households a supplemental food source so they can afford their basic needs without going hungry.
How can I learn more about Emergency Food Network and local food pantries, meal sites, and shelters?
If you would like to learn more, visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Registration/Pricing
What is included in my registration fee?
Registration for the in-person event includes an event shirt, bib, and access to our in-person event at Fort Steilacoom Park. Registration for the virtual event includes an event shirt and printable PDF bib.
Is team pricing available?
Yes! A discount of $5 is automatically applied to your registration fee when you create or join a team. We ask that teams include at least five people. Please note that team pricing is not available during the earliest registration period for youth.
Why am I asked to join a team twice?
We use two different team features in order to provide team discount pricing. The first page of registration will ask if you want to join or create a team. You will need to select this feature in order to be able to receive team pricing.
To track funds raised as a group, you will also need to join or create a team fundraising page.
What are the Refund/Transfer Policies?
We do not offer refunds for event registration, though you may transfer your registration to another person by emailing Events@efoodnet.org.
Using RunSignup
Can I use my same RunSignup account login and password from last year?
Yes! You can use the same account as previous years to register for the event.
I don’t remember my RunSignup login information, can you help?
For privacy purposes, EFN does not have access to your account information. Please go to the RunSignup login page and click “Forgot Password” and click “Send Reset Password Link” to have password instructions sent to your email.
Can you send me a list of my past team members and donations?
You can find details about your past donations and team members on your RunSignup profile (https://runsignup.com/Profile). Past donations can be viewed under the Fundraising section and past teams can be found under Groups. Our team can also send you this information, please email Events@efoodnet.org for assistance.
I’m having trouble using RunSignup, help!
If you are having trouble navigating RunSignup you can contact the EFN team by calling 253.584.1040 or emailing Events@efoodnet.org. RunSignup also has a 'Knowledge Base' for users, or you can submit a help ticket. We have found that they offer excellent and timely customer support!
Fundraising and Donations
Can I donate to an entire team?
Yes! Donations can be made to a specific member of the team, or to the overall team fundraising page. Either way, donations will go towards the team’s fundraising goal.
How do I make a general donation to the event?
If there is no particular fundraiser that you wish to donate to, but you would still like to support the Hunger Walk, click the “Donate” button at the top of the event website.
Can I donate cash or checks?
Yes! We will be accepting cash and check donations at Fort Steilacoom Park on May 4th. Please make out all checks to Emergency Food Network. You can also mail or drop off donations at our Distribution Center in Lakewood, 3318 92nd St. South, Lakewood WA 98499. Please use a donation log to track your donations so we can enter them on your donation page.
Can I donate food?
Please do! Every EFN event is also a food drive. Food drives are an important way that we can collect a wide variety of foods for our partners. Please bring in new, non-expired, shelf-stable foods. Some of our favorite food drive donations are peanut butter, canned tuna, canned soup and stews, and canned beans. Please no food in glass jars, which can break in our bins, or perishable foods.
Can I donate using Facebook?
Yes, but we encourage you to share your fundraising page on Facebook rather than creating a Facebook fundraiser. Using your fundraising page makes it easier for us to thank you for all of your work and to thank your donors!
If you do choose to use a Facebook fundraiser please be sure to note that the funds are for the Hunger Walk. We will post these donations towards your fundraising goal, but it may take up to two months for these donations to get credited to your page based on the disbursement schedule from Facebook.
What is EFN's Tax-ID?
94-3131776
