Renton CROP Hunger Walk 2009 is May 3 from 1:30-4 p.m.

CROP stands for Community Responding to Overcome Poverty. The Renton walk has two routes to choose from: one 6.8 miles and the other the “Golden 1.5 Mile.”

Both routes begin at the Liberty Park Shelter, with parking at the Renton Library. The longer route runs east along the Cedar River Trail, to Ron Regis Park, and then returns to the start. The shorter route runs from the Liberty Park Shelter east to the first checkpoint at the Riverview Park .

The Renton CROP Hunger Walk is sponsored by REACH (Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches). The walk is a program of Church World Service, a ministry that aids victims of disaster and hunger in about 80 countries.

Twenty-five percent of the money raised by The Renton walk will go to local food agencies, including the Salvation Army Renton Food Bank, The Friendly Kitchen, Margie Williams Helping Hands Center and ARISE (Area of Renton Interfaith Shelter Endeavor), a rotating shelter for homeless men.

Seventy-five percent of the money raised from the walk goes to Church World Service.

Last year, Renton’s walk raised $34,000, fourth in the state and in the top 100 in the nation.

Walkers under 18 need a parent’s signature to participate. Only strollers, wagons and wheelchairs are permitted in the walk. Pets are not allowed.

People can sign up for the Renton walk through a participating church or organization, at the walk or at www.cropwalk.org. Registration is from 1-1:25 p.m. at the walk.

For more information, call Sharon Kenyon at 425-271-2080.