Food For Free has long partnered with organizations that build community and raise awareness of food insecurity. One of those incredible partners whose funding has made an immediate and long-term impact on our community members struggling to put food on the table is Three Squares New England and The Ride for Food.
As we get ourselves pumped for the 11th Annual Ride for Food & 5K Walk for Food & Off the Beaten Path this fall, we reached out to one of our most dedicated riders, David Osler, to learn more about his commitment to hunger insecurity. David has been riding in honor of Food For Free for 7 years!
FFF: Hi David! Can you tell us a little bit about you?
David: My name is David Osler, I’ve lived in Cambridge for a long time, and I am a pediatrician at Cambridge Health Alliance, traveling back and forth from offices in Somerville and Cambridge. I’m well acquainted with the area.
FFF: Why have you participated in this event? Is it biking, is it fighting food insecurity or a combination of the two?
David: Definitely a combination of the two.
Years ago, I was helping another doctor based out of Inman Square on a fellowship project about hunger and food insecurity. We screened patients through our practices and found a startling number of families were food insecure. From there, we began handing out food coupons and gift cards and saw the difference it made.
The problem hasn’t gotten any better, but I appreciate being able to do my part and help raise money for people in need. I have been biking for a long time and I have a couple of road bikes, so it seemed like a no-brainer to participate! It feels good and it does good. And it doesn’t get better than that.
FFF: Can you share more about your interest in ending food insecurity?
David: First off, no one should go hungry in the richest country on earth. Second, as a pediatrician, I’m concerned about nutrition and growing brains and families. I just think people should have access to food – it’s quite simple. It’s stressful raising a family, and Food For Free gives people one less thing to worry about.
FFF: When did you first hear about Food For Free?
David: As a pediatrician, I’ve known about the organization and the incredible work you’re doing for a long time… But I formally became acquainted when Cambridge Vice Mayor Alanna Mallon approached my pediatric group to help fund one of the Food For Free school programs, now known as Weekend Eats but formerly recognized as the Weekend Backpack Program. I remember she said to me, “Well if you’re really interested in this… wanna help raise some money?” And that was when I joined the Food For Free riding team.
FFF: For people signing up for this event for the first time, what should they expect?
David: It’s such a nice day – it’s why I’ve done it over and over again! It’s run extremely well, it’s fun, and it’s safe. You’re with nice people who all care about making a difference. You’re all there for the same reason: to get out and move and for a good cause. Feels like a day with 300 of my closest friends, all on the same wavelength and with the same goals for our community.
They also have a lot of good food and support for riders, it makes you feel a part of something.
That being said, they have options for everyone – so if riding isn’t your thing, that shouldn’t be a barrier to participating. You can walk at your own pace, or check out the “Off the Beaten Path” option.
FFF: Thanks for your time today David – one more question for you! For folks looking to get involved in their community’s hunger relief efforts, do you have any advice?
David: Just find something and do something. Everybody can do something. Sure, COVID-19 has made it a little harder but… your community needs you, and everybody can do something to help. ❂
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To join David and the rest of the Food For Free team of riders on October 2nd at the Ride for Food, sign up, learn more, and download promotional tools here: https://foodforfree.org/ride-for-food-rider-tools/
