On Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, Nashoba Valley Medical Center will host its 4th annual Hunger Run 5K road race. All proceeds from the event will benefit Loaves & Fishes, a non-profit organization that provides food and temporary support services to residents of Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley. In 2014, the pantry distributed approximately 12,000 pounds of food each week and provided food for over 950 families.

The Hunger Run 5K, which is professionally timed by Wilbur Race Systems and certified by USA Track and Field, will begin at Nashoba Valley Medical Center at 11 a.m. and travel along the scenic back roads of Ayer and Groton. Walkers are also welcome to participate in the race.

In addition to the Hunger Run, children are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes (optional) and enjoy the “Harvest Half Mile Run.” Fun activities for the whole family will be available at the finish line.

Advanced registration is strongly recommended, and can be accomplished online at active.com (search Hunger Run 5K). Registration the day of the event is from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

The cost to register for the 5K race is $23 in advance, $8 for the Half Mile Run and $10 for walkers. Each runner should bring one, non-perishable food item to be donated to Loaves & Fishes.

Nashoba Valley Medical Center is proud to support an organization that helps those in need. Loaves & Fishes supports a diverse population, including single parents, elderly and people with disabilities.” said Nashoba Valley Medical Center President Salvatore Perla. “Loaves & Fishes work hard to help those in our community who are in need.”

Since its inception, Nashoba Valley Medical Center’s 5K Hunger Run has generated over $13,000 for Loaves & Fishes and recruited over 475 participants who have donated more than 1,100 pounds of food to the organization.

For more information about the Hunger Run 5K, contact Robin Eibye at 978-784-9000 or email [email protected]. Organizations who would like to become a sponsor of the event should contact Gary Donia at [email protected].

To learn more about the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, visit www.devenspantry.org.

About Nashoba Valley Medical Center

Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC) offers community-based primary care and specialty services. NVMC was awarded an A, the highest grade possible, in hospital safety by Leapfrog, and recipient of the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval. Areas of clinical strength include emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging, cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, oncology, orthopedics, physical therapy and general surgery. NVMC also offers a comprehensive Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Travel Clinic and Occupational Health Services. Nashoba Valley Medical Center is part of the Steward Health Care System LLC, the largest integrated community care organization in New England which combines over 3,000 physicians, 10 acute care hospitals, managed care, insurance programs, home care, an imaging operation, and a number of other post-acute services, to provide the most cost effective and highest quality of integrated patient care. Additional information is available at www.nashobamed.org.