Run for the Hungry to Benefit Jewish Family Service and Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

Jewish Family Service and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank are teaming up for the 12th annual Thanksgiving Day Run for the Hungry sponsored by YouBComplete and Pure Fitness.  The 10K/5K (6.2 mile/3.1 mile) run/walk takes place on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013 at Broadway Circle, in front of Horton Plaza, and makes its way through San Diego’s historic Gaslamp District and East Village.  The 10K starts at 7:10 a.m. and the 5K starts at 8:15 a.m. The early start times ensure that runners finish with plenty of time to return home and prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and Jewish Family Service’s Food Assistance programs, both of which support individuals and families in need throughout San Diego County.  Race sponsor, Michael London of Pure Fitness said, “I can’t think of a better way to start off Thanksgiving morning than giving back to the community before sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner.” Race organizers are inviting participants to wear their zaniest Thanksgiving-themed costumes. Officials expect a large number of runners and walkers to dress in turkey, pilgrim, and pumpkin outfits which will add to the Thanksgiving holiday spirit.  Food Bank CEO James A. Floros said, “We are calling on our supporters to sign up for this year’s run because we desperately need the community’s help this holiday season. The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is feeding 320,000 people per month, and the proceeds from this year’s run will be critical for us to meet the need over the holiday season. So get your running shoes on and help us feed San Diego’s hungry.”  Michael Hopkins, CEO of Jewish Family Service, added, “More than 462,000 people in San Diego County live in poverty and face the threat of hunger every day. Many are elderly, homebound, and isolated. Our Foodmobile program delivers hot, nutritious meals to people in need who can’t access other nutritional services and depend on our daily meal delivery. Our Hand Up Youth Food Pantry holds distributions throughout the city including onsite at military bases. Together, with the Food Bank, the Run for the Hungry helps bring the issue of hunger to the forefront.”  Hopkins added, “The 10K/5K is a great way to start Thanksgiving Day, and it finishes with plenty of time for runners to return home and prepare Thanksgiving dinner.”  Approximately 4,500 participants are expected to run and walk in this event.  To register online for this event visit www.unitedrunforthehungry.org  Participants can register on the day of the event. Registration for the 10K closes at 7:00 a.m. and registration for the 5K closes at 7:45 a.m. Late registration and packet pick up is available on Sunday, Nov. 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Westfield Horton Plaza Shopping Center, 324 Horton Plaza, near the entrance to Jimbo's on the ground floor level. For additional information about the event’s presenting sponsors visit www.purefitness.com and www.youbcomplete.com   ### ABOUT JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF SAN DIEGO Jewish Family Service was founded in 1918 by a consortium of women’s clubs which sought to address the myriad of human needs of the time. Today, JFS is a comprehensive human service organization with locations throughout San Diego County and the Coachella Valley. From its early grassroots origins, the agency now serves all of San Diego County with more than 50 programs. Its programs and services include: Adoption; Case Management; Counseling; Crisis Services; Family Violence; Jewish Connections; Refugee Resettlement; Older Adult/Senior Services; Parenting, Youth & School-based Services; and Training/Education. Learn more about why JFS is One Source for a Lifetime of Help at www.jfssd.org. ABOUT THE JACOBS & CUSHMAN SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK  Established in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is a critical component to the welfare of San Diego County, providing food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. Through a combination of government programs and partnerships with over 330 San Diego County nonprofit charities, the Food Bank acts as a central repository and distribution point for government and donated food. The Food Bank distributed nearly 20 million pounds of food in the Financial Year 2012 – 2013 to individuals, families and a network of nonprofit organizations that work to alleviate hunger throughout the county. Visit the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank at: www.sandiegofoodbank.org