{
  "id": 13148423,
  "title": "California cyclist, 73, rides 3,200 miles and raises $740,000 to fight child hunger",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/california-cyclist-73-rides-3-200-miles-and-raises-740-000-to-fight",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T15:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/at-73-california-cyclist-mark-strauss-rode-3200-miles-from-the-pacific-to-the-atlantic-over-69-days-to-fight-childhood-hunger-his-no-kid-hungry-campaign-has-now-raised-740000-toward-a-1-million-goal/articleshow/134835320.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At 73 years old, Mark Strauss embarked on an impressive challenge: cycling 3,200 miles from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic Ocean while raising $1 million for a cause close to his heart. The California cyclist successfully completed the journey in 69 days, amassing $740,000 for the charity No Kid Hungry, with $260,000 still required to reach the fundraising goal. The journey began with a motivating statistic - that 14 million children in the United States face hunger. Recognizing this as \"unacceptable\" in a country with ample resources, Strauss decided to channel his passion for cycling into a practical effort to combat child hunger.\n\nStrauss connected with No Kid Hungry, an organization dedicated to supporting schools, food banks, and community partners to help children access meals. The ride demanded more than just physical stamina; it required daily preparation, route planning, and the perseverance to keep going despite challenging conditions and unexpected obstacles.\n\nAlong the route, Strauss encountered numerous supporters who offered donations, food, encouragement, and assistance. These interactions reinforced the idea that the campaign was not just about a single cyclist pushing through each day, but also about the generosity of people from diverse backgrounds who recognized the worth of the cause. During the ride, Strauss visited community partners working with No Kid Hungry, witnessing firsthand how local organizations provide meals to children and how donations can support these programs.\n\nThe funds raised through this cross-country cycling effort will be directed towards supporting school and summer meal programs, ensuring children have access to nutritious food. While the remaining $260,000 to go is a smaller challenge compared to the 3,200 miles Strauss already covered, the impact of the ride remains significant. The campaign not only raised money but also brought attention to the issue of childhood hunger and highlighted the importance of food in a child's ability to learn and grow. For Strauss, the ride was a testament to the belief that food is essential for children's well-being, and his journey demonstrated that even at an advanced age, one person can make a difference in the fight against hunger.",
  "summary": "Mark Strauss embarked on an incredible 3,200-mile cycling journey over 69 days to support the No Kid Hungry initiative, raising an impressive $740,000 toward a target of $1 million. Along the way, he connected with numerous supporters and gained insight into the pervasive issue of childhood hunger in America. His endeavor highlights the ongoing need for accessible food resources for children, as…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}