Hunger vs. Hunger: How Ethan Hunger is fighting food insecurity one extreme challenge at a time

By Rachel Friederich, Serve Washington Communications

BELLINGHAM-- Ethan Hunger takes fundraising-and working out-to the extreme. His initiative, Hunger vs. Hunger, is not just about testing the limits of endurance but also about raising crucial funds and awareness for the Bellingham Food Bank.

In 2024, he completed an 18-hour fitness challenge in which he burned an estimated 12,000 calories, while raising an astonishing $249,419 for the food bank. His grueling endurance challenge-including a 115-mile bike ride, a three-mile lake swim, a high-intensity interval workout, a full marathon run and a mountain bike ride-is meant to symbolize the struggle of those facing food insecurity.

The idea for Hunger vs. Hunger came about during the COVID-19 pandemic when Ethan realized how fortunate he was. With no student debt and a stable food supply, he felt a deep sense of guilt knowing that so many others were struggling to put food on the table.

"A privileged Bellingham resident like me can create the hardest day possible and still have no idea what it's like to be food insecure, to not know where my next meal is coming from, "Hunger said. "But now when I burn all these calories and ruin my day, I'm able to bring it back to those in need."

Hunger is very competitive by nature. And that competitiveness is what the University of Washington graduate used as the idea for a fitness fundraising challenge.

"I grew up playing every sport I possibly could try," Hunger said. I'm just a naturally competitive person. I stared doing endurance sports after I graduated college and to the only way to stay competitive was to compete against myself."

Raising Awareness About Food Insecurity

While fundraising is a crucial part of his initiative, Ethan is equally committed to changing the narrative around food insecurity.

"Being food insecure is often not what you would picture. There should be less of a stigma around it," Hunger said. "So many people are food insecure, and it should not be looked down upon. I wish people understood how common it is and what it looks like. What a lot of people might not realize is that 20% of all people in Whatcom County use a food bank, and half of those are seniors and children."

A Community-Driven Movement

By undertaking this physically demanding fundraiser, Ethan has ignited something incredible in his community. His challenge has encouraged others to get out, get active, and join him in his mission. Many individuals and groups accompany him on different legs of the journey, showing solidarity and raising awareness for the cause.

"I meet really cool people and have made a bunch of friends," Hunger said. "Everyone who shows up to an event is here for the right reasons."

The 2025 Hunger Vs Hunger event is scheduled for July 19.

Learn about Hunger Vs Hunger

For more information about the event visit https://www.ethanhunger.com/hungervshunger

Watch the film documenting Ethan's journey: https://www.ethanhunger.com/hungervshunger