Online registration has begun for the first-ever Eastern Connecticut Walk Against Hunger. The family-fun event takes place each spring in Bridgeport, New Haven and Waterbury, and new this year, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut will host a site in New London County to benefit the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center. The event also serves to raise awareness about hunger-related issues in the community.

The three-mile, non-competitive walk will take place on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Chelsea Parade in Norwich, and the course winds its way in and around the city. Walk Against Hunger participants are supported by family members, friends, colleagues and others prior to the event. All proceeds benefit the work of the Food Center, which provides food to nearly 100 local feeding sites.

Once registered, walkers and teams will have access to a participant center with “Walker Tools” to help reach fundraising goals. In addition to fundraising ideas, walkers are provided with sample emails to help them reach out to their social networks to gain support.

Can’t walk on May 5? You may register as a “virtual” walker and still be part of the event. Individuals, whether participating in the Walk or not, are also encouraged to donate non-perishable food items that day.

For more information on the walk, including how to register through the Connecticut Food Bank, visit www.uwsect.org/walk.

Since 1988, the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, located in New London, has played a key role in providing one of the building blocks to a good quality of life by feeding food insecure individuals and families all across our community. The Food Center, a program of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, provides food and household items to 97 free food distribution sites throughout New London County. These sites include shelters, food pantries, after-school programs, day care centers, community meal sites, and programs for the elderly. In 2012, the Food Center distributed 2,163,423 pounds of food which is equivalent to 1,664,171 meals. Food provided through the Food Center helps to feed 20,000 people each month.

In 2013, the Food Center celebrates its 25th Anniversary of alleviating hunger and helping those is need in New London County.