By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Those looking to improve their fitness while helping to provide food for children who otherwise may go hungry will have a chance to do so in mid-September during Vineyard Family Services’ “Race for Hunger.”

The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 8 a.m. at Alabaster’s Veterans Park off Alabama 119 South. This marks the first year for the event, which will feature both a 5K and fun run on the park’s track.

“Come run, walk or sponsor this fun event for the whole family! Door prizes, special gifts, and some good food for those who participate,” read the event’s description. “Because hunger doesn’t take a break on the weekends!”

Entry fees for the 5K race will be $30 per person until Sept. 15, and will rise to $35 per person the day of the event.

Entry fees for the fun run will be $20 until Sept. 15, and will rise to $25 the day of the event.

For those who want to sleep in the day of the event, but still support the cause, VFS is also offering a “Snooze for food” option allowing individuals and teams to attend the event. “Snooze for food” registration fees are $30 per person until Sept. 15.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Pelham-based VFS Backpack Buddies program, through which VFS works to provide backpacks full of food and other essential items for public school students ages 5-14 who are food insecure when not at school.

To register for the event, visit Runsignup.com/Race/AL/Alabaster/BackpackBuddyRun5K.