Iowan Man Bikes to Duluth Fundraising for Food Insecurity

DULUTH, Minn. — An Iowan man rode on a bicycle and journeyed to over 550 miles to Duluth to raise money for a café local to him that fight against food insecurity.

Barry Schreier at the start of his journey at University of Iowa.

Barry Schreier is a psychology professor from the University of Iowa. Over the last seven years, Schreier has ventured across the United States for varying charitable causes.

This year he partnered with Agape Café. An Iowa City staple which for the last 30 years has offered hot and free breakfast to those experiencing homelessness or struggling with food insecurity.

“So I live in a community where there’s a lot of giving and a lot of donating,” said Schreier. “And so I just had the spirit to do the same thing.”

Schreier started his journey from the University of Iowa on July 21, and reached Duluth on Friday, July 26. During this year’s charitable journey, Schreier surpassed the initial $7,500 goal, raising $8,285.

“So after this ride, we’re looking at about 4,800 miles and I’ve raised almost $60,000,” said Schreier when asked about his overall fundraising impact.

This week’s heat wave help aid Schreier on his trek. Only on the second day of his journey did he have to take shelter in someone’s barn from the rain.

But the question still remains of why Duluth as his end destination? Schreier shared that when he cycling cross country for a cause, he usually picks a destination far away. But it’s thanks to an Duluth motto he saw online motto that brought Schreier’s attention north, “We hope you love this place as much as we do.”

“One of the things that I think about with Agape Café is they love that organization. The people that run it love that organization so much and they hope that others will interact with them and will love Agape Café as much as they do,” said Schreier. “I though Duluth was the perfect connection for the Agape Café charity ride.”

Over 550 miles away, Schreier marked an end to another journey.

But now as Schreier’s charity bike-ride is over. Barry is enjoying a ride back home without peddling to the metal the over 550 miles back.

“I may not be the fastest person on the road, but I certainly have the most perseverance,” said Schreier. “I knew I was going to get here one way or another.”

Schreier’s GoFundMe page for Agape Café is still accepting donations. To donate click here.