KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (June 30, 2025) — Josh Ward, a radio personality for 99.1 The Sports Animal, marked his 40th birthday by running 40 miles in near-90-degree heat to raise money for Food for Kids, a program combating child hunger. His route took place here at the University of Tennessee Research Park at Cherokee Farm, where staff from the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee joined him in solidarity.

Ward trained for just weeks ahead of the endurance challenge, aiming to draw attention to Food for Kids, which provides meals to children who lose access to subsidized school meals during weekends and summer breaks. The program is the costliest initiative operated by Second Harvest, relying entirely on community support.

Community Support Along the Route

The effort was fueled by employees of Second Harvest Food Bank, several of whom ran alongside him for up to 10 miles. The park’s sprawling, pedestrian-friendly pathways offered a strategic respite during the grueling effort.

The run underscored the urgency of food insecurity in East Tennessee. Second Harvest reports that 1 in 5 children in the region faces hunger, a gap programs like Food for Kids aim to bridge.

How to Contribute

Donations can be made through the Second Harvest’s Food Bank. The campaign gained traction with promotional support from media partners like WIVK 107.7.