As the holiday season begins, Summit County is witnessing a community-driven effort to combat food insecurity, led by local entrepreneur Tyler Zipperer. The founder of Biked Goods is collaborating with various organizations to support families facing hunger in the area. According to No Kid Hungry, one in five children in the United States experiences hunger, a reality that resonates even in this ski resort community.
Zipperer’s commitment to addressing food insecurity stems from his desire to leverage his business for social good. He noted that recent government funding restrictions, particularly around SNAP benefits, have had a significant impact on local families. “I have always tried to use my business as a way to give back to youth organizations that help either get kids out on bikes or feed them,” Zipperer explained.
In partnership with Mountain Dweller Coffee Roasters, Zipperer has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at providing meals to children over the holiday period. This initiative will run throughout December and involves selling his specially made Morning Shift Granola at the coffee shop. Each bag sold contributes $5 to Smart Bellies, an organization dedicated to alleviating food insecurity by supplying meals to families. Notably, every $25 raised will help feed a family in need.
Beth Johnson, the owner of Mountain Dweller Coffee Roasters, collaborated with Zipperer to develop this campaign. In addition to the granola, customers can also order yogurt parfaits, with a portion of the sales going to support Smart Bellies. Zipperer emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We have a $1,000 goal that we are trying to meet, and there are multiple ways to contribute.”
As part of his ongoing efforts, Zipperer plans to prepare granola for Smart Bellies’ holiday meal boxes. For the fourth consecutive year, he will work with Team Summit, a local mountain bike team, to produce granola for these boxes. This year, athletes from The Cycle Effect will join the initiative, forming a new partnership to enhance their impact. The granola-making event is scheduled for mid-December, just before the meal boxes are distributed on December 19, 2023.
To support the production of granola, Zipperer has also set up a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $350 for ingredient costs. The campaign reflects his deep commitment to ensuring that no child in the community goes hungry. “I think about myself personally,” Zipperer shared. “Being fortunate enough to buy groceries to feed my family while doing the things we love is something I cherish. To have a child facing food insecurity is hard for me to think about.”
Zipperer, who serves on the board of the National Center of Youth Development, believes that providing food is essential for children’s growth and development. He stated, “When kids are fed, they have a firm foundation to learn, develop, and grow.” His perspective underscores the critical role of nutrition in shaping a child’s future.
The community’s response to Zipperer’s initiatives highlights the power of collaboration. “It takes a village to raise kids in the community,” he remarked. “I can’t do this alone, especially with SNAP restrictions. We need to change the way we approach issues like these.”
The fundraising campaign and community engagement efforts are vital in addressing food insecurity in Summit County. Zipperer acknowledges the collaborative spirit that has driven this initiative, expressing gratitude to all partners involved. “A lot of people I have worked with have put in endless time. I cannot thank them enough.”
For more information about the Morning Shift Granola fundraising campaign, visit BikedGoods.co/shift. This initiative not only aims to raise funds but also to foster a sense of community solidarity in the fight against hunger during the festive season.
