Why I’m Hiking for Hunger

By Chloe Spector, Communications Specialist

July 31, 2026

A Q&A with Doug Koeneman

Food insecurity affects many families in Indianapolis. That’s why ASG Principal and Senior Consultant Doug Koeneman and Executive Director and CEO of Lutheran Child and Family Services Sven Schumacher are joining forces to raise funds for the Sharing Place Food Pantry. 

This September, during Hunger Action Month, Doug and Sven will hike 33.7 miles, from Spiez to Fribourg, Switzerland, to support the Sharing Place Food Pantry. They hope to raise $10,000 to support the Sharing Place and raise awareness of food insecurity in Indianapolis.

We spoke with Doug to learn more. 

What inspired you to do the hike?

Sven is a good friend of mine. He’d been doing an annual hike for a while before I became involved. Last year, I joined him on the hike in Switzerland for the first time. He does this for the same reason each time: To raise funds for the Sharing Place. 

Why Switzerland?

All of the routes Sven chooses are a part of the Camino de Santiago, a traditional pilgrimage for Catholics. There are routes throughout Europe, and Sven chose Switzerland. For me, it’s a way to reconnect with nature and reflect on all the things I’m grateful for. Supporting the Sharing Place is important to me, too.

Tell us more about your connection to the Sharing Place.

I’ve always had a very close relationship with Lutheran Child and Family Services (LCFS). The Sharing Place is part of that organization.

LCFS has been part of my life for a long time. The organization stepped up and helped a family member during a hard time when her family was struggling and needed help. Since then, there’s been a natural connection between my family and LCFS. Part of this journey is about expressing gratitude to LCFS for all it has done for my family. For me, the hike is also about recognizing the work LCFS does in the wider community and raising awareness about the struggles many families face in Indianapolis.

You’ve hiked for this cause before. Do you have any stories from that experience?

I was struck by the kindness of the locals. When we weren’t on the trail, Sven and I would wander around whatever village we stopped at that day. Most of the people we met spoke German, but they made an effort to speak English with us, especially on the mountain. We would always make friends and end up going to dinner with them and spend the evenings talking and enjoying each other’s company.

What do you do to prepare for the hike?

I can do a lot of training locally before we get to Switzerland. I can walk and cycle long distances and climb some hills, but I can’t train on any large ones. Right before we set out, Sven and I try to eat a big breakfast since there aren’t many places to stop in the middle of the route. We’ll also bring fruit, meats and cheese, but once you’re hiking, you get pretty into it. I don’t normally feel very hungry. Water is more important than food.

What is your goal for this year’s hike?

Not only are we trying to raise $10,000 for the Sharing Place Food Pantry, we’re also trying to raise awareness about food insecurity. A lot of people live on the margin.

Donate now!

Follow along as Doug and Sven prepare and embark on their journey across Switzerland. We’ll be providing updates along the way. Learn more and find links on our Hike for Hunger page.

You can make a difference.

Sources for stats: Indy Hunger Network, Indiana | Feeding America