Meals on Wheels? Bikers Collect Non-Perishable Food for Pantries

WOONSOCKET, RI – Rhode Island Athletic Club will host a Ride-A-Thon this Saturday, Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's the second annual.

Three Rhode Island Athletic Club employees will cycle on a stationary spin bike for 10 hours, inspiring people to join them and bring non-perishable food items.

The food will be donated to three local food pantries - Because He Lives Ministries, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and Saint Josephs.

Last year, the drive brought in more than 3,000 pounds of food, which was donated to help feed neighbors in need. The goal is to fill a large roll off container with all the food items. Once again, Gladu Wrecking and Recycling will donate the container.

"The support we received last year was just incredible." said Michael Reynolds owner of Rhode Island Athletic Club, "People would drive by and see what we were doing then come back 30 minutes later with cases of can goods. It's unfortunate how many members of our community are in need but it's uplifting to see how many people are willing to donate."

"Anyone can come by and hop on a bike to cycle," he said. "Four actual cycling classes will be held," he said, every hour on the hour, starting at 8.am.

"The rest of the day will be filled with music, fun and plenty of good times," Reynolds said.