The Lagos Food Bank Initiative, an organization dedicated to ending the problem of food insecurity across vulnerable communities, successfully organized the much-anticipated 5^th edition of  its annual awareness and fundraising Walkathon, tagged “Feed the Future 5.0” on Saturday 26^th August, 2023.

The primary goal of the fundraising event was to support the school feeding program EDUFOOD, a program aimed at providing nutritious meals to food insecure school children.

The walkathon witnessed remarkable participation from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life with Corporate orgainizations such as Coca-cola, Pocaris Sweat, Kellogg’s Tolaram, Power Oil, Crown Flour Mills Ltd, UAC Foods, Frieslandcamina Ltd, Nestle, Emergency Response Africa, I-fitness Gym and Wellness Centers and Kotex who partnered with LFBI for the cause.

The event was also graced with celelebrities, influencers, & guiness world record holders inclusive of  Shaffy Bello, KaffyDance, Kemen, Pamilerin, Saga, Saskay, J’odie, Genoveva Umeh, Jeiel, Jason Usoro, Pharmsavi, & Asiricomedy were present at the walkathon in support of the cause with media partners; Kraks Media, TVC, STV, Punch Newspaper, Vanguard News, The Nation Newspaper & a special performance by Star Kids Academy.

Volunteers, guests and beneficiaries of the school feeding program, gathered to demonstrate their commitment towards ending hunger. The event was marked by a sense of unity and determination, reflecting the participants’ dedication to making a positive impact.

In an opening speech by the founder of Lagos Food Bank, Dr Michael Sunbola appreciated all participants for joining in the fight to end hunger and create a better future for the future leaders. He also noted that Nigeria , and admonished that all the players within the food value chain, supply chain to pull resources & come together to solve the current humanitarian crises.

In her address, Dr. Kaffy praised the Lagos Food Bank for its unwavering consistency and credibility. She also expressed her appreciation for the organization’s commitment to addressing the pressing concern of food insecurity and malnutrition among children in low-income communities. Shaffy Bello a veteran actress encouraged individuals to give the little they have to the most vulnerable. Jeiel noted the importance of the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to be a part of ending childhood hunger by rallying in support. Pamilerin & Genoveva also applauded the consistency of the food bank in ensuring the nutritional needs of its beneficiaries are met.

The 14km walkathon kicked off at the cricket field of the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos with great excitement from the participants as they traversed through the serene Lagos Island down to Ikoyi-link bridge, showcasing various parts of the vibrant city. To ensure participant safety and comfort, well-organized hydration and medical aid supports were positioned strategically.

During the walk, Kemen, also noted his excitement in partcipating at the awareness walk as it was his way to support school children within low income communities. Pharmsavi who commended the food bank on the timeliness of the initiative as there is a rise in the number of displaced and out of school children. J’odie also commended the food bank on the initiative and appreciated the organization for putting together the awareness walks. Jason Usoro encouraged individuals to donate and show support to the food bank in furtherance of ending childhood hunger.

Saga encouraged the food bank volunteers to continue in the selfless activity as they volunteer their time and energy to ensuring the needs of the most vulnerable are met & Saskay commented on the importance of the initiative especially in the wake of the economic downturn.

The dedicated participation of volunteers contributed to the smooth event coordination, route management, and participant guidance. The event garnered substantial attention through active social media engagement, and press coverage, effectively spreading awareness about the school feeding program’s objectives.

The Walkathon’s primary objective was to raise funds for the EduFood Program, and it achieved remarkable success in this regard. The collective contributions of participants, partners, and donors raised will play a critical role in enhancing the EduFood program’s reach, improving the quality of meals provided, and ensuring the program’s sustainability, thereby positively impacting the lives of children in need.

The funds raised through the walkathon will serve as a catalyst for furthering the school feeding program, ensuring that children in low-income communities receive the nourishment they need to excel academically and in life. The resounding achievement of the walkathon reaffirms the organization’s commitment to a world free of hunger.