Needham's Marena Burnett Saddles Up to Feed Neighbors in Need

NEEDHAM, Mass. – On Sunday, Oct. 2, Marena Burnett, of Needham, will be among a team of cyclists to participate in the Ride for Food to support Food For Free’s food rescue and redistribution efforts across Eastern Massachusetts. The 11th annual event, hosted by Three Squares New England, invites anti-hunger nonprofits to ride and raise awareness for the 1 in 8 Massachusetts residents struggling with enough to eat. One hundred percent of participant raised money goes back to the hunger relief organizations and their work.

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 $13,000 to feed hungry neighbors in need.

“I have dedicated my career to supporting young children and families and understand that food insecurity can affect children in any community, not only traditionally underserved ones,” says Burnett, Food For Free’s Chief Development Officer. “This event is one small way we can demonstrate that we care and, through Food For Free’s good work, ensure that families in eastern Massachusetts have hope, dignity and access to delicious, healthy foods. I’d love the support of the Needham community where I have raised my own family over the past 30 years.”

All routes begin and end at the Noble and Greenough School, 10 Campus Drive in Dedham, Mass. Participants choose from a virtual, 25, or 50-mile ride or a 5K walk through the scenic suburbs of Massachusetts. Registration ranges from $25 to $75. Riders are asked to set a fundraising minimum goal of $500. The fully supported ride with breakfast, lunch, and snacks along the route also includes family-fun activities including music, face painting and more.

“It’s incredible to see so many food partners, big and small, rally together in the fight against food insecurity in our communities,” says Eliza McDonough, Food For Free’s Events and Communications Coordinator. “We are so thankful to our riders, some longtime volunteers, and staff members, who go beyond packing donation boxes of food for our organization. Year after year, they saddle up to ensure we can continue providing healthy food to people of all ages in need.”

This year, Food For Free hopes to raise $15,000 to aid its food rescue and delivery programs and continue to provide healthy food for underserved populations in more than 20 towns and cities across Eastern Massachusetts.

For more information about Food For Free, or to learn how to make a financial contribution toward a rider’s fundraising campaign, or to register to ride, visit foodforfree.org/events. For questions, email Eliza McDonough at [email protected].

ABOUT FOOD FOR FREE

Food For Free is a Cambridge and Somerville-based, non-profit organization dedicated to providing Eastern Massachusetts with reliable access to fresh and nutritious food. Food For Free accomplishes its mission through food rescue, partnerships with schools, colleges, and community food programs, and our own direct service programs. In the last year, Food For Free distributed 8 million pounds of nutritious food to over 20 different communities throughout Greater Boston and was named 2020.Org Impact Award winner in the Fighting Hunger and Poverty category for its work improving access to healthy food within the Boston community. To learn more, please visit us at http://www.foodforfree.org/, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @foodforfreeorg.

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