Truvia, Appetite for Change team up for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation virtual walk

This year’s Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Minnesota walk will be virtual because of the pandemic.

KSTP is joining teams from all over Minnesota to help raise money for a cure for Type 1 diabetes. Even though the big walk is changing, it’s not stopping a team of people from making a difference.

Truvia is teaming up with Appetite For Change in north Minneapolis for the walk.

Kirsten Rekstad, Troop Truvia team captain, said her daughter Kari was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on Nov. 27, 2017.

"We really want to find a cure so that our children and adults are not insulin-dependent," Rekstad said.

Truvia, a natural/plant-based sweetener brand, is one of the sponsors for the JDRF One Minnesota virtual walk.

On the day of the virtual walk, Princess Hayley, cofounder and chief engagement officer for Appetite For Change, said, "We are going to be in the garden and we are going to be planting, watering, not harvesting quite yet, but preparing the land to be able to get real food to real people."

Appetite For Change allows people to get access to and knowledge about fresh, local food.

"I believe that when you don’t have access to fresh and local food or nutritious food that it impacts you in every area. Food connects people. It is the tie that binds us," Hayley said.

"This is a great opportunity to bring communities together," Rekstad said.

They’re hoping this will inspire others to learn about Type 1 Diabetes and donate to find a cure.

The JDRF One Minnesota virtual walk is on Sunday, May 23. You can join Team KSTP or donate.