Texans Gear Up to End Hunger

By Becky Volk
Social Media Specialist, Tarrant Area Food Bank

On a cool Saturday morning, cyclists from more than 30 cities in 11 counties throughout Texas fought to end hunger with us at our annual Gear Up to End Hunger bike ride. The Oct. 17 bike ride started and ended in the beautiful Fort Worth Water Gardens. Everyone from advanced cyclists to entire families chose between riding a 10-mile course through downtown Fort Worth and a 20-mile course that extended into the Cultural District and Clear Fork. Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price actively supported our mission to increase awareness about the issue of hunger in North Texas, by serving as honorary chair and lead rider.

Why was Gear Up to End Hunger an important event to participate in? Because one of every six residents in the 13 counties we serve is food insecure. Food insecurity occurs when individuals and families are without resources to obtain sufficient amounts of food at some time during or most of the year. In our service area, one of four children lives in a food insecure household and two-thirds or more of all households report having to choose between food and medical care, food and utilities, or food and transportation.

Because hunger affects so many children, families and seniors throughout our North Texas community, we would like to give a special thanks to our Gear Up to End Hunger Presenting Sponsors, Elevate and Kroger, and of course all of the cyclists who attended. Your support means so much to those in need. Thank you.

If you were not able to attend this year’s Gear Up to End Hunger, please view our slide show featuring event highlights. Also, be sure to check out some of the pictures and comments participants posted on social media. #TAFBGearUp