Deerfield man kickstarts cross-country motorcycle ride to fight hunger

CHICAGO - A new push to feed hungry Americans got its start in Chicago on Tuesday.

A suburban man embarked on "The Great American Deli Schlep" – which is a cross-country motorcycle trip to raise money and awareness about the hunger crisis.

The first stop for Steve Goode from Deerfield was Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen in the South Loop. He rolled up to the restaurant with several friends on motorcycles, just before lunchtime.

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When asked why he is embarking on this fundraiser, Goode said, "I'm blessed, and my family's blessed that we know where our next meal is going to come from, but not everybody has that luxury."

He will be on his bike for 75 days and cover 16,000 miles.

Manny’s, the historic South Loop restaurant, is the first of 42 Jewish style delis on the itinerary. Goode is working with Mazon, a Jewish response to hunger, to raise money and awareness for the organization.

"There is hunger in America, it's real and it affects children, veterans, all races, everybody across the board," Goode said.

The trip will do more than help the hunger crisis. The delis where Goode will dine at along with other supporters can use a business boost.

"I think everybody is hurting right now and this is a boost for fundraising for Mazon. It’s a boost for the delis and it’s a great feeling to have people in the restaurant again," said Dan Raskin of Manny's Deli.

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Goode does realize a summer diet of piled high corned beef could be less than healthy, so he says he will try to eat with moderation as he focuses on putting food on the plates of hungry Americans.

Goode is going to compare his weight, blood pressure and cholesterol before and after visiting the 42 delis.

To support the trip, please visit https://mazon.org/events/delischlep