More Than 1,000 People Ride to Fight Hunger

When Alpine resident David Feuerstein was 15 in 2010, he created the Wheels for Meals fundraiser -- a ride throughout Bergen Country intended to raise money to benefit the hungry.

More than 1,000 people between the ages of 5 and 75 mounted their bikes and strapped on their running shoes Monday for the 4th-annual event.

Participants raised more than $135,000 for the Jewish Family Service's Meals on Wheels program and its food pantry.

“The JFS Meals on Wheels program in Bergen and Northern Hudson Counties prepares over 28,000 meals a year for those-in-need. This includes homebound seniors, of every ethnic background, throughout our catchment area,” said executive director Susan Greenbaum. “The nutritionally balanced meals are delivered by our devoted staff and volunteers, and included with each meal, are compassion and kindness. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life to underserved communities and our neighbors that may have fallen on hard times due to the economy.”    

The 3-mile trek and the four non-competitive bike races -- which went through  Rockleigh, Tappan, Old Tappan, Orangeburg, Blauvelt, West Nyack, Pearl River, Montvale, River Vale, Harrington Park, Closter, Demarest, Cresskill, Tenafly, Englewood, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee, Alpine and Palisades -- started and ended at the Jewish Home in Rockleigh.

Donations are still being accepted at the Ride to Fight Hunger website.