On April 25, at 8 a.m., over 300 cyclists will be mounting up and hitting the roads in the first End Hunger In Calvert County Bike Ride. Riders from throughout the metropolitan area and as far away as Maine will arrive with one goal in mind: to help feed hungry families in Calvert.
There are four riding trails laid out; one for seasoned riders, two for intermediate riders, one for folks who just want ride their bikes for the sheer pleasure of it. For more information and to register go to www.endhungercalvert.org.
The event is expected to raise close to $10,000 – the money goes directly to help re-stock the shelves of local food pantries in Calvert County.
Yet more than raising money, these cyclists also hope to raise awareness. As the economy has worsened, the number of county families needing assistance has been growing. In the last year, food pantries have seen a 40% growth in the number of families seeking help.
Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry Director Cathy Ring reports serving over 5800 hundred families annually. That’s up from 3600 the year before. “These are working families with children who just can’t make ends meet,” stated Mrs. Ring. Pantry directors throughout the county are all reporting increased requests for help. Amazingly, this is happening in the 6th richest county in the nation, but we can do something about it – together, we can end hunger.
End Hunger In Calvert County is an association of over 30 Calvert County business and community leaders united behind the idea that hunger in our county can be defeated. Rev. Robert P. Hahn, Chairman of End Hunger In Calvert County and Senior Pastor of Chesapeake Church notes, “The need is so great right now, it’s impossible to keep the shelves full. As soon as food comes in, it goes right out. There’s a lot of hurting people right here in Calvert, but we have a tremendously generous community in Calvert. It’s inspiring to see how folks are stepping up to take care of their neighbors.”
There are three ways you can help:
1. Get that bike out of the garage and join us. For more information and to register visit www.endhungercalvert.org.
2. With hundreds of cyclists hitting the roads on April 25th, you can help keep everyone safe by using caution as you drive in Northern Calvert and Southern Anne Arundel counties between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm. The cycling routes are posted at www.endhungercalvert.org.|
3. Visit the website (www.endhungercalvert.org) and get involved. There is something for everyone.
Together We Can End Hunger In Calvert County.