Hunger vs Hunger founder burns over 10,000 calories in support of Bellingham Food Bank

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Photo courtesy of Ethan Hunger Photo: Saga Communications

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Currently 16% of Whatcom County residents rely on a food bank every week.

The Bellingham Food Bank spends more money on food and non-food items than any other food bank in all of Washington. The Bellingham Food Bank does not solely distribute items to Bellingham residents, but to other food banks throughout Whatcom County.

Four years ago, Ethan Hunger set out on a mission to combat a county-wide food deficit brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hunger vs Hunger has since raised just over $225,000 in donations.

During the pandemic, one of Hunger’s friends challenged him to burn 10,000 calories in a day. He set out to do it once, but felt it was a waste of a day and decided he would never do it again. Until he saw headlines covering the food insecurity that Bellingham residents were experiencing back home.

“I had this realization that I had spent a day choosing to struggle for fun, because I had nothing better to do. I decided I should try and create some positive change if I have the ability, and this moment of privilege really came to light for me,” says Hunger in a KGMI interview. “That was what started [Hunger vs Hunger], I realized I wanted to do it again, but I wanted to do it for a cause.”

Hunger vs Hunger holds fundraising events throughout the summer, but on one day each year Hunger takes on the unruly task of burning thousands of calories to bring attention to the food deficit in Whatcom County. On July 20, Hunger will wake up at 1:30 a.m. to undergo a multi-terrain trek that covers over 147 miles in Whatcom County. The all-encompassing workout is a combination of biking, HIIT movement, running and swimming. At the finish line, Stones Throw Brewery will be holding a fundraising party and 10% of the brewery’s profits will be donated to the Bellingham Food Bank.

Ethan Hunger biking near the last leg of the annual Hunger vs Hunger event. Photo courtesy of Ethan Hunger.

Money raised at the finish line party will be matched by Hunger’s real estate firm and the Hunger vs Hunger cause. Furthermore, every dollar donated directly to the fundraiser at www.ethanhunger.com is multiplied by the cause’s 35 sponsors.

Hunger vs Hunger encourages Whatcom County residents to come together and support one another, and sheds light to the undeniable food deficit community members experience on a daily basis.

The Stones Throw Finish Line Party is open to the public on July 20, with live music from the band Marla Hooch at 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.