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BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – On July 20, 2024, Ethan Hunger woke up at 1:30 a.m., hopped on his bicycle and began a grueling six-part workout that didn’t end until 7:30 p.m. In one day, he burned over 12,000 calories and lost over 9 pounds.
This is “Hunger vs Hunger,” his annual fundraiser fighting food insecurity in Whatcom County. In 2024, Hunger raised nearly $250,000 for the Bellingham Food Bank.
Hunger grew up in Bellingham but left to attend the University of Washington before moving to Oregon. There, he completed his first workout challenge, burning 10,000 calories “for fun.”
This first challenge coincided with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hunger quickly became painfully aware of the privilege of intentionally burning nearly a week’s worth of calories when others were struggling to put food on the table. He felt a calling to return to his roots and use his privilege to make a difference. In 2021, Hunger moved back to Bellingham and began planning his first fundraiser.
“I set out to do [the challenge] again, but with a purpose. If I was healthy and able-bodied enough to do that, then I might as well make sure that I’m doing it on the behalf of the people who can’t,” he said.
After the first fundraiser, community members reached out to Hunger to express their appreciation, and childhood friends who had used the food bank’s services growing up pledged to support the cause. It was these interpersonal connections that moved Hunger to continue the fundraiser annually.
“I can’t imagine not doing something to give back. Whether Hunger vs Hunger lasts forever in the same capacity, I don’t know, but you’re certainly going to see me out there doing my best to contribute,” he said.
In just four years, Hunger vs Hunger has grown immensely, drawing more volunteers, donors and sponsors and raising more money each year.
Of the many causes to support, Hunger chose food insecurity—and not just because of his last name. Reliable access to food is a basic human right, and Hunger felt he could make the biggest difference by donating to the Bellingham Food Bank.
“I wanted to make sure that what I was doing was meaningful.” – Ethan Hunger
In planning the fundraiser, Hunger worked closely with the food bank to ensure he was contributing in the most helpful way possible. He emphasized the Bellingham Food Bank’s direct impact: 94% of funds go directly to feeding people, which is unusually impressive for a nonprofit, Hunger said.
Hunger vs Hunger is Hunger’s passion project; he invests his own time and money into training for and organizing Hunger vs Hunger, and every dollar raised goes directly to the Bellingham Food Bank. During the day, Hunger works as a managing broker at Bellwether Real Estate.
Through his volunteer work, he aims to spread positivity and encourage others to make a difference however they can. Anyone can help by donating, volunteering or sponsoring a cause. If he can inspire even one other person to get involved, his work is worth it, Hunger said.
Thanksgiving is this week, and Hunger urges the community to think of our neighbors in need on America’s most food-centered holiday. “A lot of people might not even have a meal on Thursday,” he reminds us.
“It’s never too late to make a difference,” Hunger said.
We are Whatcom is a weekly column featuring Whatcom County residents making a positive impact on the community. To submit a Whatcom County resident to be featured, click here.