Charity ride returns to help break cycle of hunger

11 March 2019

 
Foodbank’s corporate cycling challenge, The Hunger Ride, returns to North East Victoria on Saturday 16 March.

With one in five children going hungry each year, the ride is raising funds to feed vulnerable Victorian children and their families.

Riders from corporate teams – including Peters Ice Cream, Port of Melbourne and the West Gate Tunnel Project – will join Foodbank Victoria and event sponsor JAZZ™ Apple to take on the demanding 172km charity ride.

Departing Beechworth, the route includes Mt Buffalo and Mt Stanley – challenging terrain for cyclists.

“Having grown up in Benalla I’m a huge fan of Victoria’s High Country and I’m really excited to take on Buffalo again,” said Hunger Ride Ambassador and cycling champion Baden Cooke – winner of the 2003 Tour de France Green Jersey.

“Last year’s Hunger Ride was a sensational event. It was great to see the riders challenge themselves to make the distance in hot conditions and raise much-needed funds for Foodbank.”

Montague, one of the largest family-run fruit growing businesses in Australia, is sponsoring the event through its popular new apple variety, JAZZ™ Apple. Peak cycling body, Cycling Victoria, is the delivery partner.

“We are thrilled to be supporting The Hunger Ride through our premium JAZZ™ Apple brand and continuing our support of Foodbank’s important work,” said Ray Montague, Managing Director at Montague.

“As a family business producing quality Australian fruit, assisting those in the community impacted by food insecurity aligns strongly with our values. We’ll be cheering for all the teams in The Hunger Ride, including Team JAZZ™ Apple who’ve been training hard.”

The inaugural Hunger Ride was held in March 2018 and raised $60,000.

“Every dollar donated helps us to provide two meals,” said Foodbank Victoria CEO Dave McNamara.

“Across the state our charity partners are reporting increased demand for food relief. While we’re helping to feed more than 116,000 Victorians every month, we know more than 12,000 people seeking food can’t be assisted each month. Initiatives like The Hunger Ride are trying to bridge the gap between supply and demand.”

Foodbank distributed more than six million kilograms of food last financial year to its 400 charity partners across Victoria.

Visit The Hunger Ride website for more information.

Click here to view the full photo album.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Kimberley Nichols, Foodbank Victoria: 03 9362 8309
Alexa Viani, Foodbank Victoria: 03 9362 8333