Bikes for Kids Wisconsin celebrated the official launch of its “Meals on 2 Wheels” program on June 2, partnering with volunteer cyclists and the River Food Pantry to deliver groceries to the doorsteps of those in need.
Launched as a part of Madison’s annual Bike Week, the grocery delivery service uses e-bikes and e-cargo bikes with utility trailer attachments capable of carrying up to 320 pounds of food. These bikes will transport resources from local food pantries directly to underserved communities.
“With the cost of gas prices going up, people aren’t wanting to deliver in cars as much.” Executive Director Kristi Goforth said. “Because we’re Madison and people love bikes, it’s been very appealing to people.”
Bikes offer an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to car delivery services as mobility barriers and financial instability further complicate food access for low-income households.
According to Goforth said, the cyclists will travel roughly 2,000 miles in 2026, offsetting an approximatelyed 800,000 grams of carbon dioxide output from cars going the same distance.
“Something I really baked into this program was pedaling with a purpose,” Goforth said.
State Rep. Sheila Stubbs (D-Madison) affirmed the value in targeting transportation barriers to improve local food security.
“I have seen the need for resources from every walk of life in South Madison. I know firsthand by implementing programs like these directly connects to our neighbors, and we want quality nutrition. We want to build a healthier and more equitable Wisconsin where everyone here can not only live, but they can also thrive,” Stubbs said.
Meals on 2 Wheels will deliver around 10,000 pounds of fresh and frozen foods by Oct. 30 while gathering community feedback to inform the possibility of future delivery items such as books and hygiene products.
“I work ‘compassion’ into every program we provide at Bikes for Kids WI, and I think it has to do with being a woman-led bicycle organization. It’s not common to find a bike shop run by a woman in Madison or anywhere else. It makes a difference and is why you’ll see moms and kids shopping with us, people of color shopping with us, a highly diverse group of constituents and array of programming,” Goforth said.
For more information on how to support Meals on 2 Wheels, click here.
