Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Altoona, Wisconsin, recently held its annual Walk for Hunger, a meaningful event that raises funds for weekend food bags and the Altoona High School food pantry.

This initiative honors Jim Nyre, a beloved figure in the community who passed away in 2012. To commemorate his legacy, the church launched “Feed A Child Nyre You,” which offers essential meals to local students in need.
Jennie Childs, chair of Feed A Child Nyre You, shared, “Jim was deeply dedicated to the youth, volunteering countless hours at both the school district and our church. We saw a pressing need for a weekend food bank program to support students.”
The program not only aids the high school food pantry—available to all families—but also provides weekend meal bags. Every Friday, students benefit from nutritious food to take home, helping them combat food insecurity over the weekends.
Altoona Elementary School counselor Amy Bauman emphasized the importance of this support: “When children have access to food, it fuels their ability to learn and grow. Many kids look forward to receiving their bags—it brings them joy to know they will have meals for the weekend.”
As the Walk for Hunger grows year after year, both Childs and Bauman reflect on the enduring impact of Jim’s legacy. “It’s heartwarming to see how Jim’s spirit continues to connect families. Even those who never met him participate in this fundraiser,” Childs noted.
Bauman added, "Meeting Jim as a new school counselor, I’ve witnessed firsthand how his legacy benefits our kids. It’s wonderful to see this program thrive in his memory."
The contributions to this cause don’t just help students; they build a sense of community. According to a recent study by Feeding America, 1 in 6 children face hunger in the U.S., making programs like this crucial for our youth’s well-being.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church is still welcoming donations to support the program. For more information, visit their website.
By nurturing future generations, this initiative honors Jim Nyre’s legacy while addressing a pressing need in the community.
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