Bike Brigade: volunteer cyclists delivering free food
Across towns and cities around the world, bicycles are proving that you do not always need vans, warehouses and large delivery fleets to deliver free food to people in communities. Toronto’s Bike Brigade has inspired volunteer cyclists worldwide to collect surplus food, and deliver it to people who need it.
The riders are all vetted. If one falls off a bike or can’t reach the recipient, they just send a text to let the organisation know they are okay. And someone else is sent out, to make sure everyone in the community eats.
Starting your own ‘bike brigade’ can be as informal as a handful of neighbours with bicycles, helping local food banks and other organisations to get donated food to homeless people. All while providing free exercise, and reducing local carbon emission and road traffic.
The riders are all vetted. If one falls off a bike or can’t reach the recipient, they just send a text to let the organisation know they are okay, and someone else is sent out, to make sure everyone in the community eats.
What is a Bike Brigade?
It’s simply a group of cyclists who volunteer to collect and deliver donated food. This could be from supermarkets, bakeries, farms, allotments, community gardens, markets or even households with surplus produce.
Bicycles are particularly useful for short-distance deliveries. Cyclists can move through congested streets quickly, and stop close to collection points. And often reach destinations that may be difficult for larger vehicles.
Cargo bikes can increase the amount that a single volunteer can carry. While trailers and panniers can be used for smaller loads.
Collecting surplus food from shops
Volunteers should receive clear information on what food can be accepted, how it should be transported and where it should be delivered. Obviously chilled or frozen foods need appropriate temperature control, and packaging should be checked to ensure food is not damaged in transit.
Obviously food safety laws must be taken into account. But collecting food from shops near the end of the day is one of the simplest ways to stop food going to waste, and using it to help local hungry people on low incomes.
For instance, a bakery may have bread leftover at closing time. A greengrocer may have fruits and vegetables that are approaching the end of their ideal selling period. Or a local grocery may have food that can no longer be displayed for sale, but is still safe for eating.
A bike brigade can arrange a collection schedule, then volunteers arrive at agreed times to collect the food, to deliver it to community organisations.
Typical recipients of donated food are food banks, community kitchens, homeless shelters and community fridges. Older recipients and people with mobility issues (or even people without transport) can be benefit from doorstep delivery.
Delivery systems need to protect privacy and dignity, with clear instructions on where to leave food. Ensure boxes are covered, as some fresh produce (like onions and citrus fruits) are not safe near animal friends, neither are other foods like dried fruits or chocolate.
Createing a volunteer cycling team
Obviously you are looking here at pretty fit cyclists. These are not old ladies on bicycle with wicker baskets! But many people love to cycle, and will enjoy this volunteering opportunity!
A small group can begin with a handful of cyclists. One person could co-ordinate collections. Another could communicate with local businesses. Several volunteers could cover different neighbourhoods.
Provide your volunteer cyclists with safety equipment like good helmets, and good working lights and hi-vis jackets.
Volunteers should receive clear information on what food can be accepted, how it should be transported and where it should be delivered. Obviously chilled or frozen foods need appropriate temperature control, and packaging should be checked to ensure food is not damaged in transit.
