The Montclair Bikery’s fourth annual Turkey Ride to collect turkeys for the Human Needs Food Pantry will take place 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.
File photo
During a past Turkey Ride, cyclists Michelle Snyder and Andrew Zaref purchase their frozen turkeys at the Brookdale ShopRite to donate to the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair.
Cyclists will meet at the Montclair Bikery, 145 Valley Road and ride a new, flat, 15-mile circuitous route to the Brookdale ShopRite, 1409 Broad St., Bloomfield, where they will buy frozen turkeys, and deliver them (by bike) to the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair. The Human Needs Food Pantry will distribute over 1,000 turkeys and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving feast to their clients the week of Nov. 21.
Last year, 280 cyclists enjoyed beautiful warm temperatures and bought and donated 380 turkeys to the Human Needs Food Pantry, along with $9,600 in donations. This year, the Montclair Bikery is hoping to have 350 cyclists and collect 500 turkeys for our neighbors in need.
The pantry distributed 850 turkeys last year to people throughout Essex County. This year the pantry expects the need to be even greater, with about 1,000 households registered for food assistance.
"I would have never imagined when we did the first Montclair Bikery Turkey ride four years ago that it would have grown so big. Every year we see more and more people embrace this great cause. It's a fun way to give back to our community and I'm proud that the Montclair Bikery is a motivating force" said Dave Adornato, owner of Montclair Bikery.
Those who don’t want to bike or spin can still help out the Human Needs Food Pantry by making a contribution for turkeys at the Montclair Bikery. Partners For Health will match all monetary donations made between now and Nov. 20. Checks should be made out to Partners For Health.
"Funds raised during the Annual Turkey Ride help to address the persistent issue of hunger in our community, while incentivizing participants to be physically active. We are proud that our matching grants program has contributed to the success of this wonderful effort," said Pam Scott, executive director, Partners for Health Foundation.
Interested participants should register at bikereg.com or in person at the store prior to the ride. Riders may also sign up the day of the ride. All riders must be 18 years or older and are asked to bring $20 to buy the turkey, which is being discounted by the Brookdale ShopRite. Cyclists may buy additional turkeys and these will be transported to the pantry as well.
