Food For Free’s Ride For Food on Sept. 20 will help raise funds needed to support the effort to get healthy food to those in need.

Join in the Ride For Food, Sunday Sept. 20
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By Tom Bannister

Maybe you’re a spandex-wearing 50-mile type. Or, perhaps pedaling shorter distances for a good cause is more your speed. Either way, local nonprofit organization Food For Free is looking for cyclists like you to join its team in the upcoming Ride For Food event, set for Sunday, Sept. 20.

Food For Free riders include a mix of long distance riders, casual cyclists, families, bike commuters, and bike delivery professionals. Last year, cyclists raised more than $20,000 to feed hungry neighbors in need.

Since 1981, Cambridge-based Food For Free, has responded to local hunger by rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste, and distributing it to local emergency food programs including food pantries, youth programs, shelters, and more. Through a combination of food rescue, farming, and transportation programs, the organization’s year-round services give people access to fresh fruits and vegetables, which are typically lacking from the diets of low-income individuals and families.

As one of the nation’s first food rescue programs, Food For Free feeds more than 25,000 families annually in Boston and beyond distributing food to more than 100 programs in Arlington, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Lynn, Lowell, Malden, Medford, Peabody, Somerville, and Watertown.

Choose from a 10, 25, or 50-mile ride through the scenic suburbs of Massachusetts. Registration is $75. Riders are asked to set a fundraising goal of $1,000. Those who raise $1,000 will have their registration fee refunded. The fully supported ride with breakfast, lunch, and snacks along the route also includes family-fun activities including music, face painting and more.

All routes begin and end at the Noble and Greenough School, 10 Campus Drive in Dedham, Mass. Food For Free is also providing transportation to the event site for those who need it.

This year, Food For Free hopes to raise $22,000 to aid its food rescue and delivery programs and continue to provide healthy food for all.

For more information about Food For Free, or to learn how to make a financial contribution toward to a rider’s fundraising campaign, or to register to ride, visit foodforfree.org/events. For questions, email Veronica Barron at veronica@foodforfree.org.