COVID has been a unique challenge for CommonWheels. With lockdown making our typical programming difficult, we have pivoted to socially distant community work, and we are incredibly proud of our #Wheels4Meals program. Since many Allston-Brighton residents are advised not to be in public, we have been able to utilize our volunteer cohort of cyclists to facilitate a delivery program from local food pantries to those experiencing food insecurity during Covid.
Since its start in March, #Wheels4Meals has made over 200 deliveries, or about 3600 pounds of food. In true DIY CommonWheels fashion, our volunteers have made use of whatever was available for food transport, whether it’s pizza racks or panniers, large backpacks, or using pedicabs for bulk delivery. We’ve been working closely with the Allston Brighton Health Collaborative and it’s network of food pantries. It’s been incredible working with all these different organizations in our neighborhood, whether it’s the Oak Square YMCA, the Allston-Brighton Congregational Church, the Presentation School, or many other food-focused agencies and we are looking forward to more.
We are so proud of our volunteers and how they’ve risen to the occasion. For us at CommonWheels, the most inspiring part of the program is how we’ve been able to connect our neighbors together and foster community, even in this time of crisis. #Wheels4Meals is an integral support program for Allston-Brighton and we are so happy to help feed our neighbors!