Will Bike 4 Food Raises record-breaking amount to support The Food Bank
The Food Bank held its 9th annual Will Bike 4 Food charity cycling event, presented by Stop & Shop, took place at The Lion’s Club Pavilion in Hatfield last Sunday, September 29. More than 450 cyclists of all ages participated in the event, raising a record breaking $170,000 to benefit The Food Bank.
“A great time was had by all while doing good at the same time, says Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director of The Food Bank. “We’re grateful for everyone who came out to support our cause to feed our neighbors in need.”
Cyclists of all levels of experience chose to ride one of four routes — 10, 25, 50 or 100 miles — through the Pioneer Valley to raise funds and awareness for food insecurity in the region. Local organizations, corporate groups and children were among the top- team fundraisers recognized at the event, including: Heart & Soul ($10,995), 50/50 Fitness ($9,923), CS Energy ($9,550), Ewing RR ($5,596), Stop & Shop ($3, 694), and Kids Bike ($3,690).
Diego, age 7 (left), top fundraiser in kids category w/ Andrew Morehouse & teammate (Kids Bike)
Participation in Will Bike 4 Food has been climbing steadily throughout its nine – year history. Since the ride began in 2011, the event has raised more than $880,000 and provided the equivalent of 2,640,000 million meals to households in the region that are facing hunger or at risk of facing hunger.
All proceeds from Will Bike 4 Food will benefit The Food Bank, helping our organization distribute healthy food to more than 114 partnering agencies, including food pantries, emergency meal sites and shelters that operate 175 food programs. The donations will also help support our direct-to-client feeding programs, including the Brown Bag: Food for Elders (serving thousands of area seniors) and Mobile Food Bank programs (bringing fresh, healthy groceries directly to communities lacking access to nutritious food).
As the need for emergency food in our community continues to increase, more than 225,000 people in cities and towns across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties turn to these partnering food pantries and meal service programs to feed themselves and their families each year.
Will Bike 4 Food is made possible through the support of its sponsors, including presenting sponsor Stop & Shop, PeoplesBank, The Polish National Credit Union, Alekman DiTusa, Bank ESB, Cooley Dickinson, EverSource, Tighe & Bond, Pennyfarthing Investment Management L.L.C, C&S Wholesale Grocers, BMC Healthnet, UMass Federal Credit Union, OMG, Inc., Webber & Grinnell.