07-03-2025
10 years of two-wheeled service, one burrito at a time
DES MOINES, Iowa — What began as one man's epiphany has become one of the most visible homeless-advocacy groups in the Des Moines metro, and this weekend, the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry turns ten years old.
'Ten years ago,' explains Robby Collier, a UBFM volunteer, '(founder) Joe Laslo was recovering from a serious bike accident when his pastor gave a sermon about the homeless. It hit him right then that he should act.'
Collier says when Laslo was healthy enough, he used his bike as a way to reach the homeless on the streets of Des Moines.
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'The first day he set out with 20 burritos and 20 bottles of water. He handed them all out.'
Tonight, the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry — which sprang from Laslo's efforts — handed out 800 burritos, along with over 800 sandwiches, bottles of water, blankets, warm clothing and sleeping pads to homeless and food insecure Iowans in Des Moines.
Over 40 volunteers work together every week and say the connections they make with the people they serve are some of the most important in their lives.
'I can talk about it on the TV, I can talk to you one-on-one,' Collier says, 'but once you've seen it and you've actually gone out and built that relationship with a hug, with a kind word, with a burrito — it really fills your heart.'
On Saturday (March 8th) the Ministry will celebrate ten years of service with a party at Twisted Vine Brewery in the East Village. The public is welcome to attend.
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