The first ever, 5K for Food Justice on Saturday at the Weehawken waterfront track, was the brainchild of Weehawken High School student Kale Dennis. The event raised money for the PERC Shelter, located on 39th Street in Union City.
Dennis, who founded the Food Justice Club at the high school, is also the co-founder of the non-profit organization, Food Is A Human Right. Saturday’s 5K, Kids Fun Run and Walk, drew attention to the importance of food insecurity in the Weehawken and Union City communities.
The fundraising efforts, which have already donated $19,000 for the shelter, which has lost a lot of FEMA funding in recent months, will help keep PERC afloat, providing needed food and beds for the homeless.
Dennis says many people still do not believe that food is a basic, human right. Saturday’s event was intended to change that perception.
To learn more about the work being done to eliminate food insecurity, go online to foodjusticeforall.org or thepercshelter.org.
