(FLEMINGTON, NJ) -- ShopRite of Hunterdon County will host its 28th annual Run for Hunger – a community fundraiser and local tradition – on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Runners and walkers are invited to participate in the 5K trail run and 3K walk at Deer Path Park (120 W. Woodschurch Road) in Flemington. Registration is now open online and at select local ShopRite stores.

All event proceeds benefit Norwescap Food Bank, which supplies two million pounds of food annually to nearby food pantries, shelters, childcare centers and senior centers in Northwest New Jersey. The private non-profit organization also offers educational and health services, along with job training, to support families and individuals in need.

"We are proud to once again host the annual Run for Hunger, an event that fosters community spirit and impacts the lives of people in need," said Joe Colalillo, President of ShopRite of Hunterdon County, a family-owned company that operates five ShopRite stores in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. "We are so thankful for the all the runners and walkers, volunteers and sponsors who have made this a much-loved tradition that helps people in the community who are struggling with food insecurity.”

Since its inception over a quarter century ago, the ShopRite of Hunterdon County Run for Hunger has raised nearly $670,000 for Norwescap, and event organizers hope to raise an additional $35,000 for the organization this year.

"The Run for Hunger not only brings people together but also ensures that we can continue to provide essential food and services to those in need. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of countless families and individuals in Northwest New Jersey, and we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the community and ShopRite of Hunterdon County,” said Mark Valli, CEO of Norwescap.

Interested runners and walkers are encouraged to pick up a registration form at the ShopRite of Flemington, ShopRite of Clinton and ShopRite of Greenwich, or register online. A full course map and more information are available online. Those interested can also call Norwescap at (908) 454-4322 for more details.

Event registration is $20 and includes a commemorative T-shirt while supplies last. Refreshments will be available, and awards will be presented to the top three men and women finishers and the first three in the following age groups: 12 and under, 13-16, 17-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and up. The top three male and female walkers will also be awarded. Bryn Mawr Racing Company will professionally time the race. Registration and check-in on the event day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Run/Walk starting at 9:30am.

ShopRite is the registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative based in Keasbey, NJ, and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States. With nearly 280 ShopRite supermarkets located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, ShopRite serves millions of customers each week. Through its ShopRite Partners in Caring program, ShopRite is dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities it serves. Since the program began in 1999, ShopRite Partners In Caring has donated nearly $62 million to food banks that support more than 2,200 worthy charities. As a title sponsor of the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, ShopRite has donated $40 million to local organizations, hospitals, and community groups.