Quincy Medical Group Foundation’s Bridge the Gap to Health Race celebrates 25 years of community impact

QUINCY — This year marks a special milestone for the Quincy Medical Group (QMG) Foundation Bridge the Gap to Health Race as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. This annual event has brought the community together to support causes that enhance the quality of life for local residents.

To honor this milestone, the race is raising funds to buy a new industrial-grade truck for Horizons, a local soup kitchen and food pantry. This vehicle will enable Horizons to rescue surplus food from local businesses and transport it efficiently, ensuring that fresh, nutritious meals reach those facing food insecurity.

“For 25 years, we’ve stayed true to our mission of bridging the gaps in our community,” Morgan Parker, director of Community Relations and Foundation at QMG, said in a press release. “This year, the miles on our participants’ feet will directly correlate to the miles Horizons’ truck will drive — miles that will make a life-changing difference for countless families in our region by delivering food, hope and nourishment.”

The new truck will allow Horizons to collect donations from more locations, improving efficiency and ensuring that safe, nutritious food reaches individuals and families in the community. Horizons expects to rescue 530,000 pounds of food this year from more than 20 locations, valued at more than $911,600.

“Turning surplus food into nourishment not only feeds the body but restores hope and dignity,” said Sarah Stephens, executive director of Horizons. “This truck will allow us to bridge the gap of rescuing and repurposing food to bring relief to our neighbors in need.”

A portion of the funds raised from the race will support the QMG Foundation’s ongoing efforts to provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations that directly impact the community with a focus on community development, health and youth initiatives.

The Bridge the Gap to Health Race will take place on Saturday, May 10. It is open to participants of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re running for personal health or to support the cause, every step you take this year will make a positive impact.

For more information, follow the Bridge the Gap to Health Facebook page at www. facebook.com/BridgeTheGapToHealth.