Red Gold Run To Crush Hunger

Origins:

The Red Gold Run to Crush Hunger is a vibrant, family-friendly 10K, 5K, or 1‑Mile event (plus virtual option) and community festival held in October in Elwood, IN. Through registration and sponsorship, participants of all ages and abilities help provide about 120 meals each—contributing to over 3 million meals served since 2012—and support local food banks while engaging in a festive community celebration. The event is hosted by Red Gold and its employees volunteer each year to work the event. The participants, sponsors, community involvement and volunteers are the what makes this recipe a success!

Contribution:

Extended festival atmosphere: The race is just one part of Red Gold's “Crush Hunger Saturday”—which also includes the Chili Cook‑Off (now in its 37th year), a Colts Blue Saturday celebration (Indianapolis Colts Mascot, Bus, and Cheerleaders), Indy Fuel, Red Gold Pro Fisherman Todd Hollowell, DJ Kenny K, craft beer & wine garden, community entertainment, and vendor booths.

Massive turnout: Event attendance has grown steadily with participants ranging from 700 to 1,400, drawing individuals from over 90 cities and 22 states.

Volunteers & city services: Key support comes from volunteers, local vendors, and municipal partners such as Elwood’s mayor, chamber of commerce, police, fire, street, and parks departments. Sponsor partnerships: Every year, local and national companies back the race—2020’s virtual event included platinum sponsors like Ardagh Group, Morning Star, Cigna, and RWE, while earlier editions featured BMO Harris, St. Vincent Mercy, and E.ON.

Objectives:

Red Gold is passionate about helping local communities and our 'Run To Crush Hunger' provides a healthy activity for friends and families to participate as a community, it also gives everyone a chance to help the lives of those in need. It also honors the community spirit and legacy work of Red Gold, which has supported hunger relief since its founding in Elwood in 1942. All proceeds from the race will go to Second Harvest Food Bank and the Morrisett Center Food Pantry to help with the fight against hunger in central Indiana. Each registrant helps supply roughly 120 meals to local families

Impact:

One in seven Americans struggle with keeping food on the table, in Indiana alone, one in six Hoosiers struggle with hunger. In East Central Indiana, 1,009,710 people (about the population of Delaware) are not able to provide food for themselves or their families, 33% of these individuals are children living in low-income households who face the threat of hunger daily. Proceeds support hunger relief in Central Indiana, benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank and the Morrisett Center Food Pantry. Each participant’s registration equates to about 120 meals for local families. Over the years, the event has raised over $840,000, funding more than 3.3 million meals

Quote:

"Red Gold invests deeply—financially, operationally, and culturally—into this event each year, while community partners and volunteers ensure its broad reach and fun atmosphere. The synergy between corporate backing and grassroots engagement has turned the Run to Crush Hunger into a powerhouse for local hunger relief and we are proud of all the work everyone has contributed to make it a success year after year."

- CEO/President of Red Gold, Brian Reichart

Support Statement:

“As Mayor, I’m proud to celebrate the incredible impact of the Red Gold Run to Crush Hunger. This annual event brings individuals from across the State together in a powerful show of compassion and action, supporting local food banks and families facing food insecurities. Each step taken by participants helps put meals on tables across our region. Red Gold’s leadership and commitment to fighting hunger are a testament to the values we share — generosity, unity, and service. Together, we are making a real difference.” 

- Mayor of Elwood, Todd Jones