Annual Hunger Walk raising money for Greater Chicago Food Depository

CHICAGO (WLS) -- TThe 31st Annual Hunger Walk kicked off in Jackson Park Saturday morning.

The event supports the Greater Chicago Food Depository's mission to fill food pantries across the Chicago area. More than 11,000 people are taking aprt int he two-mile walk along the lakefront.

ABC7 is a sponsor and Judy Hsu is the master of ceremonies for the event.

"All these people coming together for one cause and that's to fight hunger," said Paul with the GCFD. "That's what the hunger walk is all about, getting people to raise awareness to support these agencies that do such great work."

Paul said the GCFD serves more than 812,000 people each year in Cook County. The need is especially great for kids who get free or reduced breakfast and lunch during the school year.

"When school is out, for many children those meals go away so there is an opportunity for the Food Depository and other organizations to fill that gap," Paul said.

For more information, visit www.chicagosfoodbank.org. To donate, click here.