Cyclists Support Seniors Through Grocery Shopper Program

In these unprecedented times, grocery shopping and other activities that we once took for granted pose health risks, especially to the most vulnerable members of our community. With grocery delivery apps significantly backed up and many seniors lacking access to this technology or the ability to use it, a pressing community need arose to get food to senior citizens safely.

Ecology Action employees were eager to find ways to serve the community. Because of this, we quickly found an intersection between climate action and the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center’s established Grocery Shopper Program. Our straightforward solution: Use bikes and electric vehicles (EVs) to deliver groceries to seniors.

Sign up today to help make sure that the most vulnerable among us can get the food they need as they shelter in place. Once you sign up to volunteer, you will receive weekly emails about people who need groceries, including details regarding what stores, the payment methods, and any special accommodations.

Over 85 seniors have now benefitted from the program since its launch on April 1^st, 2020 thanks to 50 volunteers, including 10 biking volunteers. Heartwarming testimonials from the seniors reaffirm how important the program is:

“I don’t know where I would have been without the program. It’s been a lifesaver. It gets me my vital food, which I would really have no way to get. And, it’s protecting my health, as I’m both a senior and have health issues. I can’t say enough about it. It’s just wonderful.” – Margaret

“I’m in 4 high-risk categories. I’m very grateful for this program. I don’t know what I would be doing right now without it.” – Catharine

Ecology Action is honored to serve the community during this time of crisis while continuing our mission of reducing carbon emissions. In a time of collective uncertainty, it is grounding and fulfilling to be involved in work that alleviates some of these problems. Our volunteers have similarly heartwarming testimonials:

“I am so happy I signed up for this volunteer opportunity. In fact, I suspect that I will continue doing this for a long time into the future as I build a relationship with the participant, a fellow member of the Santa Cruz community I’m glad to have met. The great thing is that I know I’m not only helping the participant, but I’m also reducing the COVID-19 risk by reducing how many people are shopping and also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by combining it with my own shopping trip and using my bike. I’m grateful to the Volunteer Center for this easy, fulfilling opportunity to serve.” – Brooke

With almost twice as many clients as volunteers, we need extra support! Sign up today for more information. Delivering groceries by bike or EV is encouraged but not required.