A new collaboration with the United Way of the CSRA, Golden Harvest Food Bank and Door Dash seeks to fill the gaps in food distribution by providing free delivery to those who have difficulty accessing essential food items.
The Ride United Last Mile Delivery program will help ensure that essential food items reach individuals and families in need, particularly older adults, people with disabilities, those who lack reliable transportation or people who are not able to access items on their own, according to news release from the United Way of the CSRA.
“Access to food is a huge burden on individuals and families in our community,” said Brittany Burnett, President and CEO of United Way of the CSRA. “This partnership brings together essential resources and innovative solutions to tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity in our area. Together, we are committed to ensuring that everyone has the ability to receive the food they need.”
Through this program, United Way of the CSRA and its 211 Network will collaborate with Golden Harvest Food Bank to identify individuals and families who will benefit from food delivery services, as well as provide food resources from its pantry storefront. DoorDash will facilitate the delivery logistics.
“We’re excited to join forces with United Way and DoorDash in this innovative approach to fighting hunger,” said Amy Breitmann, President and CEO of Golden Harvest Food Bank. “The Ride United Last Mile Delivery program allows us to reach those who might otherwise be unable to access food support due to barriers like limited mobility or lack of transportation. This partnership brings us one step closer to our vision of a hunger-free community by ensuring food reaches our neighbors in need, right to their doorstep.”
The Ride United Last Mile Delivery program is helping address immediate hunger needs, but is also looking to identify where there are long term needs to help create a sustainable model for ongoing food access within our community, the news release continued.
In its initial phase, the Last Mile Food Delivery program will serve a 10-mile radius from the pantry storefront, located at The First Stop Center near United Way of the CSRA’s office on Broad Street. Future growth of the partnership will have an even greater impact on food insecurity in the CSRA, with additional storefronts added to reach more neighbors in need.
Call 211 for more information.
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