For the second year, Veggie Wheels will be hosting its annual Slow Ride to fund their non-profit program that brings fresh vegetables to low-income families. The Slow Ride is a non-competitive event where bikers ride along the Allegany River Trail. Unlike last year, the Slow Ride will have two courses. One course is five miles long, and the second course is 2.5 miles.
“All you have to do is come with a bike,” said Jean-François Godet-Calogeras, professor emeritus of theology and Franciscan studies, who’s also a volunteer for Veggie Wheels. “We want to have something a little festive.”
Even those not riding can participate in other activities they have there. Veggie Wheels’ fundraiser also includes an auction, which will be raffling off baskets.
“We had 50 participants last year. We will double it this year,” said Jean-François Godet-Calogeras.
Last year, Veggie Wheels raised $1,000 dollars, and this year their goal is to raise $3,000. The fundraiser is meant to draw attention to the program, bring in sponsors and raise funds. The money goes to Veggie Wheels to help them pay for fresh vegetables.
Veggie Wheels is a program from the Cattaraugus County Health Department. Athena Godet-Calogeras started the program in 2015. She found that 32.2 percent of Cattaraugus County citizens did not eat fresh vegetables and that many people living in public housing couldn’t afford vegetables in their budget.
“Veggies are expensive. One bag of spinach for two people is $3,” said Athena Godet-Calogeras. “Why not start a program to bring fresh vegetables to these people?”
Its purpose is to bring fresh vegetables and fruit from local farms to low-income families and senior citizens living in public housing.
Veggie Wheels is funded by grants, one being a Cattaraugus benefactor that donated $5,000. The Walmart Community Fund gave $1,500. The Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) program also offers its help Veggie Wheels. The money pays for the fresh vegetables that come from local farms in the Cattaraugus area. It also goes to the equipment and cooking utensils used for serving the vegetables.
“It is beneficial for the relationships that are built and for the local economy,” said Athena Godet-Calogeras.
The Veggie Wheels team is made up of volunteers. They pick up the vegetables from the farms and go to public housing in Olean and Salamanca. There the volunteers hand out vegetables free of charge. They also educate residents on healthy eating. Veggie Wheels provides tastings, recipes, cooking classes and children activities.
“Kids play an important part. They learn healthy meals and eating habits,” said Jean-François Godet-Calogeras.
Veggie Wheels runs annually from the end of June when schools let out to the start of September when school is back in session. Over the course of the summer, Veggie Wheels will serve close to 700 people.
“We want to serve the people who need it and make the county healthier and happier,” said Athena Godet-Calogeras.
Rain or shine, the Slow Ride will occur on May 5 at 2 p.m. The ride will start and finish at Jamestown Community College: Cattaraugus County Campus. To get to the event, participants should enter through the Union Street entrance.
The basic cost to register is $10. Participants can register at the event, or they can pre-register at www.cattco.org/vwSlowRide or by calling the Olean Health Department at 716-701-3461.
By Rachel Kimmel, Staff Writer
kimmelrp18@bonaventure.edu
