(News release) MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Northwest Missouri State University Student Dietetics Association (NSDA) will sponsor its seventh annual 5k Fun Run/Walk to benefit Backpack Buddies.

The neon glow run will begin on the east side of the Administration Building, at the circle drive and water fountain at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m., and NSDA will provide some glow gear for the event, but participants are encouraged to supply their own glow gear.

NSDA is again teaming with Northwest’s Robert and Virginia Foster Fitness Center to offer “Glow Flow” after the run/walk. Participants will have the opportunity to attend a yoga session with Foster Fitness Center staff. Some yoga mats will be provided, but participants may bring their own. Yoga will be on the grass outside the Administration Building starting around 8:15 p.m. There is no extra charge to participate in the yoga session.

Registration for the race is $20 for adults and children. Participants who register on or before Monday, Oct. 2, will receive a T-shirt.

Participants may register for the run/walk online at www.nwmissouri.edu/rsvp/nsda5k/. Registration forms also are available in Room 311 of the Administration Building, the Foster Fitness Center or at the race.

Individuals or businesses who wish to donate to the event may pick up a donation form in Room 311 of the Administration Building or mail a donation to NSDA, 800 University Drive, Administration Building 311, Maryville, MO 64468.

Backpack Buddies is the supplemental weekend feeding program of Second Harvest Community Food Bank. Children are provided with a healthy breakfast, a healthy lunch and a healthy snack each weekend during the school year, including extended breaks. Children receive food based on four rotating menus that are offered throughout the year. Nodaway County Backpack Buddies partners with the Ministry Center in Maryville, serves all public elementary schools in Nodaway County and provides meals to 288 children during the school year.

In recent years, the NSDA has raised about $1,000 annually, which is enough to provide backpacks of food to seven students for the entire school year.

“The group would love to give even more to the community,” said Kelli Wilmes, a nutrition and dietetics instructor at Northwest. “They are excited for the addition of yoga to the race and look forward to the event. This a way for our organization to give back to a food-focused program in the community.”