Two Ways to Help Neighbors Facing Food Insecurity This November
The Berea Food Bank is calling on the community for support through two important November initiatives: the annual fund drive running through November 22 and the 4th Annual Better Together 5K on November 22. Both efforts support vital services that help hundreds of Berea families facing food insecurity and financial challenges.
Annual Fund Drive: Now Through November 22
The once-a-year Berea Food Bank and BUURR (Bereans United for Utility and Rent Relief) Annual Fund Drive is underway now through November 22. This critical campaign funds the operations of two essential community programs that serve Berea’s most vulnerable residents.
Berea Food Bank
The Berea Food Bank provides a week’s worth of groceries each month to individuals and families in need. Located at 108 Parkway Avenue, directly behind Berea City Hall, the food bank serves hundreds of Bereans throughout the year, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry.
The food bank is part of Berea Faith Community Outreach (BFCO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social justice through direct service, education, and advocacy. For more than 30 years, the organization has worked to ensure everyone’s access to basic goods and services.
BUURR: Bereans United for Utility and Rent Relief
BUURR provides partial emergency assistance with rent and utility bills for families facing financial hardship. The program helps dozens of households each month stay in their homes and keep essential services connected during difficult times.
BUURR appointments are held Wednesday mornings from 10 AM to 12 PM. Families can receive assistance once per year by calling 859-985-1903 to schedule an appointment.
Why This Fund Drive Matters
The annual fund drive is the primary fundraising campaign for both programs. Donations received during this three-week period help keep food on the shelves well into the new year and ensure BUURR can continue providing emergency assistance to families in crisis.
Times continue to be challenging for many families in Berea. Rising costs for food, utilities, and rent mean more neighbors need help making ends meet. The fund drive provides the community an opportunity to come together and support those facing hardship.
How to Donate
Donations can be made online through the secure donation page at bereaoutreach.org/support.html, or by mailing a check to:
Berea Faith Community Outreach108 Parkway Ave.Berea, KY 40403
All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to supporting the food bank and BUURR programs.
Better Together 5K: Saturday, November 22
The 4th Annual Better Together 5K Run/Walk takes place Saturday, November 22 at Berea City Park on Pirate Parkway. This community event celebrates 33 years of Bereans taking care of each other through the food bank and reminds us all that we are indeed Better Together.
Event Schedule
- 7:30–8:30 AM: Packet Pickup
- 8:30 AM: Welcome
- 8:45 AM: Kids Dash
- 9:00 AM: 5K Run/Walk Start
Race Details
The 5K route is an out-and-back course with an extra loop around the soccer field area. A water station along the route will be passed twice by runners. The course is accessible for runners, walkers, and those who roll.
Packet pickup will be available race morning at Berea City Park near the football field and bleachers. Organizers are also planning a Friday pickup option on Berea College’s campus—watch for details.
Events for Everyone
5K Run/Walk: The main event welcomes competitive runners, casual walkers, and everyone in between. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or enjoying a morning walk with friends, all paces are welcome.
Kids Dash: Young participants can join the fun with a special dash designed just for them, starting at 8:45 AM.
Virtual Runner/Walker: Can’t make it to Berea City Park on race day? Register as a virtual participant and complete the 5K on your own schedule, wherever you are.
Race Merch and Extras
Race merchandise includes beanies and fleece headbands, perfect for cool November weather. A tattoo raffle offers additional ways to support the food bank.
All race photos will be free to download, share, and enjoy after the event.
Registration
Register online at runsignup.com/Race/KY/Berea/BetterTogether5KBerea. Early registration is encouraged.
33 Years of Community Support
This event—formerly known as the Hunger Hurts Food or Fund Drive—celebrates its 33rd anniversary in 2025. That’s 33 years of Bereans taking care of each other and 33 years of community support for people and families in need of a little help.
The race and your participation help keep food on the shelves of the Berea Food Bank well into the new year. Every registration fee, donation, and act of support makes a difference for neighbors facing food insecurity.
Better Together
Both the annual fund drive and the Better Together 5K embody the spirit of community that defines Berea. In challenging times, we can point to the power of community support and the difference it makes in the lives of our neighbors.
Whether you donate to the fund drive, register for the 5K, or both, your support helps ensure that no Berean faces hunger or homelessness alone. Thank goodness we are Better Together.
Get Involved
Annual Fund Drive📅 Now through November 22, 2025💰 Donate online: bereaoutreach.org/support.html📧 Email: info@bereaoutreach.org📞 Phone: 859-985-1903📍 Mail donations to: 108 Parkway Ave., Berea, KY 40403
Better Together 5K📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025⏰ 9:00 AM (Kids Dash at 8:45 AM)📍 Berea City Park, Pirate Parkway, Berea, KY 40403🏃 Register: runsignup.com/Race/KY/Berea/BetterTogether5KBerea🎯 Events: 5K Run/Walk, Kids Dash, Virtual Option📸 Free race photos after the event
Support your neighbors. Strengthen your community. Join us in making a difference. 🤝💙