Pedal with Purpose: Grocery ride for the community fridge

Did you know that Louisiana is #1 in the country for food scarcity among seniors and children? Thankfully, some wonderful people in our community are working to address food scarcity, and they need our help.

Help fill the fridge!

On Monday, July 22nd, we will stock up the community fridge located at The Red Shoes, 2303 Government Street, during our ride. Not only is this a great thing to do for our community, but it’s an awesome way to learn how to get your grocery shopping done on a bike!

Our ride will start at 6 p.m. at the Electric Depot. We will head from there to Calandro’s Supermarket on Government Street. We will go in, purchase items, and then bring those items to The Red Shoes.

The goal is to try and get at least one of everything on the list, but certainly, they will take things that are not on the list and we can double up on items.

You’ll notice that travel-size toiletries are on the list. If you have some you snagged from your last hotel stay, consider bringing them with you. Let’s be honest, you’re probably not going to use them anyway.

Why you should bike to the grocery store

According to the Department of Energy, more than half of all daily car trips are less than three miles. A trip to the grocery store is likely within that bucket. A lot of people think that grocery shopping with a bike is unrealistic, but I say it’s one of the small changes you can make that will greatly impact your overall health and happiness.

When you ride your bike to the grocery store, the amount you can bring back with you is limited, so automatically, you’re going to make smarter choices. If you do this regularly, you’ll end up making more frequent trips to the grocery store. Although this might seem like a waste of time, you’ll end up wasting a lot less food.

You’ll also find that the increased exercise will benefit your overall health. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity. That three-mile bike ride is about 20 minutes of exercise. If you do that four times a week, you’d reach your weekly fitness recommendation. And you’d be doing it in a way that wouldn’t require you to change too much.

It should be a no-brainer that you’re going to be helping the environment, but what you might not realize is how much money you’ll end up saving. All those little trips add up to big gas. In fact, shorter trips are more gas-intensive, so by avoiding them, you’re increasing the length of time you can go without filling up.

More about The Red Shoes

The Red Shoes is a nonprofit center located at 2303 Government St. It is dedicated to spiritual enrichment and personal growth. Founded in 1999 by Roberta Guillory, it offers programs such as book and film studies, weekend retreats, workshops, and creative development through arts and movement classes, including yoga and dance.

Inspired by the fairy tale interpreted by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, the organization encourages individuals to find their true selves. It promotes community support and inclusivity, welcoming men and collaborating with various local organizations.

The organization added the community refrigerator and pantry in October 2021. It is located outside the facility, so it’s accessible 24-hours a day. They say many unhoused individuals frequent the fridge/pantry, and many times there is either nothing available or items that need to be cooked.

Join us for a ride!

he Downtown East Social ride meets at the Electric Depot every Monday at 6 p.m. The ride goes until 8 p.m. and ends back at the same location. There are some weather conditions that prevent us from riding.

• If the rain chances are 30% or higher during the hours our ride will occur.

• If there is an active heat advisory or warning during the hours of our ride.

• In the cold months (they do happen), if the temperature is 50 degrees or lower during the hours of our ride.

Rain cancellations will not be made until 3 p.m. the day of the ride. Cancellations due to heat will be made the Sunday prior to the ride, and it’s possible we will have a “meet up” instead of a ride. In that case, we will all meet at a location for an activity or meal.