United Way of the CSRA is excited to announce the launch of its Ride United Last Mile Delivery program, which is in partnership with Golden Harvest Food Bank and DoorDash. This collaborative effort seeks to fill the gaps in food distribution by providing free delivery services to those who have difficulty accessing food resources.

The Ride United Last Mile Delivery program will help ensure that essential food items reach individuals and families in need, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, lack reliable transportation, or not able to access items on their own.

“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 logistics of delivering food directly to those in need, ensuring that no one has to go without essential nourishment due to transportation challenges.

"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. 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.

The program has completed its trial runs and is now fully operational. Residents in need of food assistance can call 211 to learn more about booking a Ride United Last Mile Delivery.

Together, we can work toward a hunger-free community.