This weekend, you can spend the morning enjoying New Mexico’s beautiful fall weather with a hike along the Bosque trail. Then, head over to Boxing Bear for food and a fresh pint of local beer, all while raising money for a great cause.

The Rio Grande Food Project is hosting its sixth annual Hike to End Hunger at Boxing Bear Brewing’s location on 10200 Corrales Road this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

The hike raises funds to support the Rio Grande Food Project’s many programs.

“Rio Grande Food Project (RGFP) is a food pantry, urban garden, and community hub working to help ensure our community’s kids, adults, and seniors have enough nutritious food to live their most healthy, active lives,” said Kathi Cunningham, RGFP Development Director. “The hike event was started six years ago in the spirit of gathering community around the issue of hunger in New Mexico.”

Boxing Bear has been hosting the event since 2016, when RGFP’s current and former Executive Directors were looking for a brewery with easy access to the Bosque trail, and approached them with the idea.

“Boxing Bear readily agreed to support our hunger relief agency’s fundraising and awareness event,” Kathi said.

The beers will be flowing with 16 full taps available, including a recently tapped (as of last week) Oso Otoño Brown, the new Loose Seal Pale Ale, and Falcon Mountain IPA.

In addition to a refreshing beer on the Boxing Bear patio, Dawgs For A Cause food truck will also be on-site to alleviate any of those post-hike hunger pangs.

Registration for the hike begins in the Boxing Bear parking lot at 8 a.m., followed by a brief presentation at 9 a.m. Participants will then embark on a 5.5-mile (or shorter, if you prefer) loop hike along the Bosque walking trail. The upper trail is stroller friendly and dogs are welcome.

While the event is free to attend, there are plenty of ways people can help out. There is even a virtual option for those who cannot attend in person. Visit www.rgfp.org to sign up and learn more details.

“With one in six facing hunger in New Mexico and one in four children, Rio Grande Food Project can provide five meals for every dollar donated, so let’s rally together since every single dollar means so much to every child, adult, or senior experiencing hunger,” Kathi said. “Let’s go beyond our Hike goal to address hunger and food insecurity throughout the entire year!”

Thank you to Kathi for the interview, and thank you to Boxing Bear for doing its part to support the community.

Cheers!

— Maureen