Freeze for Food

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Paul Schmidt

Runners and people cheering them on.

Runners during a past Freeze for Food event.

media release: Ready to do something proactive about immigration due to conflict or climate change? Join the Freeze for Food 5K/10K, sponsored by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison. We raise funds to support food security programs of Madison's Open Doors for Refugees, a nonprofit organization dedicated to welcoming refugees to the Madison area and supporting their resettlement.

Both races (5K and 10K) start and end at the Vilas Park Shelter, 1602 Vilas Park Dr., Madison, WI 53715

Important Dates!

Monday, February 19, 2024 11:59pm - Early Bird registration ends

Tuesday, March 27, 2024 Must register by this date if you want to pickup your racer bib prior to race day. Save time at the race!

Friday, March 1, 2024 2:00pm - 5:30pm: Pickup your racer bib and chip at Movin' Shoes, 528 S. Park St., Madison WI

Saturday, March 2, 2024

10:00 am - Bag and bring your food for the Goodman Center Fritz Food  Pantry donation bin

10:30am - 11:45am: as race day registration ends, 5K racers should be at the Start line

12:00pm: 5K race begins

12:45pm: 10K racers should be at the Start line

1:00pm:10K race begins

Wisconsin's winters may be chilly, but the warmth of community support for refugees and immigrants remains steadfast. On Saturday, March 2, more than 300 participants will brave the elements to take part in the 43rd annual Freeze for Food race, a fundraising event tackling food security challenges faced by refugees and immigrants in Wisconsin. The event is hosted by the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison (RPCV) for the benefit of Open Doors for Refugees (ODFR)—an all-volunteer organization committed to aiding the resettlement of refugees and fostering their integration into the Madison community.

After a challenging 2023 marked by economic hardships, wars, and ethnic cleansing on multiple continents, the Freeze for Food race is positioned to make a meaningful impact in the greater Dane County region. Madison's low-wage earners are gradually recovering from the dual challenges of the past three COVID-affected winters, but refugees who lost jobs or faced recurring illnesses are experiencing slower progress. Additionally, newcomers to Madison from diverse corners of the globe, including the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, grapple with uncertain status with the US settlement. The 2024 Freeze for Food event seeks to provide crucial support to the clients of ODFR.

RPCV hosts the popular 5K walk/run and 10K run, aligning the event with the nationally highlighted Peace Corps Week, commemorating March 1, 1961, the day that President John F. Kennedy established the agency. The theme for this year, "Optimism in Action," celebrates the myriad ways the Peace Corps collaborates with communities as volunteers and continues upon return as they bring the world home, to share a steadfast belief in the possibility of positive change through proactive, hopeful engagement. This is known as the Third Goal of Peace Corps. Never stop serving!

The race commences in Madison, Wisconsin at the Vilas Park shelter, featuring a loop course through the Arboretum and adjoining neighborhoods. The 5K event caters to participants with varying athletic skills, welcoming children, strollers, and dogs, while the 10K race attracts serious racers (no dogs allowed through the Arboretum). RPCV shoulders most race expenses through the proceeds of its popular International Calendar, and the event relies on sponsors and individual runners to ensure its success. In 2023, the race raised an impressive $16,840, contributing to the cumulative total of over $144,244 raised since 1982 for non-profit organizations focusing on food security.

What started as the only timed race in winter back in 1982 has evolved into one of many winter races available to runners today. While some may hesitate to run in March due to the cold, it's worth noting that running is an excellent way to warm up in Wisconsin's frosty winters. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, and it's emphasized that the race never cancels due to weather conditions.

This year we are again hosting a food drive for the Goodman Community Center Fritz Food Pantry. Bring your pantry donations to VIlas Park on the day of the race, where we will have a collection bin