From children to professional cyclists, LS group hopes to ‘crank out’ food insecurity

On Aug. 12, hundreds of area bicyclists will strap on their helmets and ride together to assist families struggling with food insecurity. Crank Out Hunger, now in its 15th year, supports Coldwater’s goal of providing food and clothing for an increasing number of people in need.

Close to 250 riders participate in Crank Out Hunger annually, said Monica Humbard, executive director of the Lee’s Summit nonprofit, with bike riders completing 20-mile, 48-mile or 68-mile routes.

“Crank Out Hunger brings together a wide range of bike riders,” Humbard said. “Some are avid bicyclists who incorporate this ride into their training for the MS150, while others are kids and their parents who just like to ride together.”

Some groups of riders are professionals in the community who participate in a few charity rides a year, she added.

“The one thing they all have in common is a desire to give back to the community by helping provide struggling families with food assistance during their difficult times,” Humbard said.

Crank Out Hunger takes place with the help of close to 60 volunteers each year.

“They help plan the event, mark the routes, man the SAG (support and gear) stops along the route, set up packet pick up the night before, oversee check-in the day of the event, help set up for the lunch provided at the site after the ride, help clean up after the event and drive the route afterward to pick up the Crank Out Hunger road signs,” she said.

A faith-based nonprofit, Coldwater launched in 2008. The organization seeks to build friendships and foster hope while providing food and clothing for families facing hard times.

“We are helping them with their daily struggles with food insecurity in a caring environment so that they can concentrate on working through other issues,” she said. “Many who come to Coldwater for assistance live with constant anxiety. We strive to create a stress-free atmosphere where they feel welcome.”

To accomplish this mission, Coldwater offers a variety of services including a food pantry and clothing closet on two Saturdays each month, also offered by appointment Mondays through Fridays. The pantry and closet record around 300 visits monthly. The number has increased dramatically over the past year.

In addition to two bags of groceries, Saturday pantry visitors go home with a freshly prepared, nutritious carryout meal for each household member, Humbard said.

Coldwater’s No Hungry Kids! Program provides weekend food packs for Lee’s Summit R-7 School District students. During the 2022-23 school year, Coldwater — partnering with Harvesters — distributed more than 6,900 weekend packs.

When school is not in session, Coldwater offers a Summer Lunch and BBQ program, delivering 9,600 sack lunches on weekdays to lower-income neighborhoods during 2022. This need is growing, with the nonprofit providing around 23% more lunches to children this summer. The summer program also includes distribution of more than 300 barbecue meals each Tuesday evening, a 13% increase.

Connecting to the community is an important aspect of the summer program, with Coldwater volunteers offering game days during meal distributions.

In April 2022, Coldwater launched a ministry targeting families with young children through its Little Blessing Diaper program, now serving around 100 children. The nonprofit also gives school supplies to kids each fall and operates an annual Christmas Adoption program providing gifts for around 600 children annually.

To help meet these needs and operate its programs, the charitable organization involves close to 1,000 volunteers throughout the year.

“Some will come once a year, while others give an average of 10 to 20 hours a week,” Humbard said. “Sometimes they volunteer year-round, and sometimes they just volunteer during the summer or school year. Coldwater only has two full-time employees, so the volunteers are a crucial part of the success of Coldwater’s programs.”

With Coldwater’s growing needs, the Crank Out Hunger fundraiser is more important than ever, she said, since it helps stock the food pantry.

“We are struggling to keep food on the shelves right now,” Humbard added. “The need just continues to rise with no end in sight as long as the food prices continue to hit all-time highs.”

Crank Out Hunger starts at 7 a.m. Aug. 12, beginning and ending at 777 NW Blue Parkway in Lee’s Summit. Cost is $40 per rider and includes an event shirt and lunch at one of the on-site food trucks. For more information about riding, volunteering or sponsoring, visit Coldwater’s webpage..