Ethan Hunger receives state service award for fundraiser in which he burns 10K calories

Ethan Hunger, a Bellingham real estate agent, has been honored with a service award from Serve Washington for his impactful fundraising initiative, Hunger vs. Hunger. This program was initiated in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic amid rising food insecurity in the region. Last year, Hunger undertook an extreme fitness challenge, burning 12,165 calories in a single day through a series of rigorous activities, including running a marathon and cycling over 120 miles. His efforts not only raised awareness but also generated significant funds, allowing him to contribute $249,000 to the Bellingham Food Bank.

This year, he has set an ambitious goal of raising $300,000, with the next event scheduled for July 19, 2025. The Bellingham Food Bank serves approximately 5,000 households each week, distributing over 3 million pounds of food annually, highlighting the critical need for support in the community. Hunger’s dedication to this cause has garnered him a place among 18 recipients of the Washington State Volunteer Service Award, further solidifying his role as a community leader. His work exemplifies how individual efforts can create meaningful change in addressing food insecurity.