On Saturday, October 10, 2009, thousands of men, women and children (and dogs, too) came out to First Christian Church in Tacoma to walk and run to feed the hungry in Pierce County, Washington.

Pledges were raised, which funds the food banks in Western Washington. The Pierce County Hunger Walk is the largest hunger walk in the western United States.

Photos courtesy of Kristin Zwiers

This enthusiastic group of walkers follows the route, which winds through the Proctor District of Tacoma.

Three young participants eagerly await the start of the walk.

The crowd gathers for the 2009 Hunger Walk at First Christian Church in Tacoma, which was the start/finish for the walk.

Chris Morton, the new Executive Director of Associated Ministries, welcomes the participants.

Beth Elliott, FISH Food Bank, thanks the attendees for helping feed the hungry.

Volunteers, such as these wonderful people at the registration table, are the backbone of the Hunger Walk. We simply couldn't do it without them!

A young girl flashes the peace sign while walking with a friend.

This couple shares a laugh while participating in the Pierce County Hunger Walk.

This happy trio of walkers finish up their walk arm-in-arm. Everyone had a great time at the event.

Even walker's dogs got into the Hunger Walk spirit.

Who says you have to walk the Hunger Walk?

A group of youngsters pose for their picture during the walk. Participants both young and not-so-young enjoy spending a couple hours raising money for food.

What's a hunger wallk without a couple of vegetables? These two guys added a little "flavor" to the Hunger Walk.

Free face painting was a popular attraction at the Hunger Walk.