Attend the Fight Hunger Fall Fest, and you can enjoy a day of family fun while learning more about a serious need in the community.

"Fight Hunger Fall Fest is about raising awareness about food insecurity in our area," said Jesse North, who is organizing the event with Alicia Ferrari and Sara Barrett. "In York County, one in 13 adults is food insecure and one in 10 children is food insecure. One in three kids qualifies for a free or reduced-price lunch at school. Hunger and food insecurity can affect child development, health and academic achievement and future economic prosperity."

The Fight Hunger Fall Fest will be held at Wrightsville Presbyterian Church, 205 N. Second St., Wrightsville, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. Admission is free, but donations of nonperishable food and hygiene items will be collected for the Eastern York Food Pantry and The Giving Table.

"This is a family-friendly event and a way to come together and have fun for a great cause," noted North, who is the pastor of Wrightsville Presbyterian Church. "We will have food trucks, crafts, games, a bounce house, a face painter, a live band as well as a free meal for each attendee." Girl Scout Troop 20160 will be helping at the event, and The Book Bus will sell books. WellSpan Health will also have a booth set up.

Last year was the first time the event was held, and it was very successful, he said. "We raised $1,000 in cash donations for local organizations dedicated to fighting hunger. In-kind donations included 500 nonperishable food items as well as 24 complete hygiene kits, and folks had an amazing time," North shared. "We also garnered more community interest. This year we have been approached by more local businesses and organizations that want to be involved. Local businesses have offered to help raise funds, and organizations like the Girl Scouts have already done community outreach to encourage in-kind food donations ahead of the event. We look forward to watching this effort grow and develop every year."

Second Street will be blocked off from Walnut to Locust streets for outdoor activities, including music and food trucks, such as Joe's Fish Sandwiches, The Roaming Roast, Halo's Eatery and Get Creamed Soft Serve.

"Inside, we'll have free hot dogs donated by John Wright Restaurant, chips from Martin's Potato Chips and vegetarian chili from Becky's Kitchen," North said, adding that restrooms will also be available inside.

The Fight Hunger Fall Fest is truly a community effort, North said. "Wrightsville Presbyterian Church believes we should follow the model of Jesus Christ in feeding hungry folks; partnering with like-minded folks like Wrightsville for All, Eastern York Food Pantry and The Giving Table; and telling the whole community to join in the effort," he shared.

For Ferrari and Barrett, founders of Wrightsville for All, the event offers a perfect opportunity to fulfill the group's purpose.

"Wrightsville for All serves as a community advocacy and engagement platform, and we encourage residents to connect with each other on issues that impact our neighbors," Ferrari stated. "This event specifically focuses on food insecurity affecting children and families in Eastern York and provides a free meal to every attendee. There are no overhead costs absorbed from the donations collected - 100% of any financial or in-kind donation goes directly to feeding families in Wrightsville and Eastern York."

It's easy to make a difference in the community, North said, noting that donations will also be accepted at RE/MAX Pinnacle: The Bridge Team, 424 Locust St., Wrightsville, and a local Girl Scout troop will distribute flyers about a food drive to Wrightsville residents.

He hopes, however, that as many people as possible will come to the fest. "In a time when so much of the vibe is about what divides us, come be part of a community of people uniting to help each other and enjoy wholesome fun outdoors," he said. "There is lots of negative energy out there, but seriously, who is against feeding hungry people? Who is against fun?"

For more information, search for "Fight Hunger Fall Fest" on Facebook.