Now in its seventh year, Pedal for the Pantry continues to bring cyclists, community, and creativity together to support the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry food pantry. What started as a simple idea — ride bikes, buy food, and give back — has grown into a yearly tradition built on generosity and fun competition.

Riders leave from Two Frays Brewery, pedal from grocery to grocery, pick up one item at each stop, drop everything off at the pantry, and race back to the finish. Each receipt is worth one point, and bonus items like a turkey, bag of rice, or a stop at Many More Asian Market in the Strip earn five extra points. At the end, winners in the Small Frame, Medium Frame, and Large Frame categories each go home with an original painting from me as their prize.

The heart of the event is simple: use bikes to feed neighbors. WCM provides food with dignity to thousands of families every month, and every mile ridden helps keep their shelves stocked.

Seven years in, Pedal for the Pantry has become a reminder of what Pittsburgh does best — show up, pitch in, and take care of each other.