Golden Harvest Food Bank has joined forces with United Way of the CSRA and DoorDash’s Project DASH, alongside partners including the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta and its participating branches, Augusta Dream Center, Project Life Augusta, Salvation Army First Stop, Bible Deliverance Temple, Lakemont Presbyterian Church, Concerned Women Inc., Augusta Worship Center CLGI, and Faith Outreach Church, to bridge the gap for families facing food insecurity and transportation barriers across the Central Savannah River Area.

Funded by a $35,000 contribution from a friend of the Food Bank, this partnership will help deliver nutritious food, hygiene products, and essential household items directly to the homes of local neighbors who need them most. Deliveries are coordinated through United Way’s 211 resource line and Golden Harvest’s network of hunger-relief partners, making sure support reaches homebound seniors, families with young children, and neighbors with disabilities or limited access to reliable transportation.

“This partnership allows us to meet families where they are,” said Amy Breitmann, President & CEO, Golden Harvest Food Bank. “By working together with United Way and DoorDash, we’re making it possible for neighbors who can’t get to a pantry to still receive the healthy food they need.”

Seniors are among the groups expected to benefit most. With many older adults living on fixed incomes or facing mobility challenges, this model helps ensure they can access groceries without the burden of arranging transportation, traveling long distances, or navigating physical barriers.

Project DASH is a nationwide initiative powered by DoorDash that helps food banks and nonprofits overcome the “last mile” of food delivery. Through this collaboration, deliveries are currently being made within a 10-mile radius of United Way’s distribution point on Broad Street in Augusta, with plans to expand service to additional communities in the months ahead.

"We’ve seen a 74 percent spike in calls to our 211 helpline for food and transportation assistance during the shutdown,” said Brittany Burnett, President & CEO, United Way of the CSRA. “That immense need is exactly why our partnership with Golden Harvest Food Bank and DoorDash for Project DASH is so powerful. It's not just about delivering meals; it’s about reaching a neighbor struggling to get by, removing that transportation barrier, and ensuring they have immediate support. This collaboration allows us to quickly respond to our families in need.”

As part of its commitment to increasing food access across the country, DoorDash is waiving all merchant fees for the 300+ food banks, food pantries, and community partners participating in Project DASH nationwide during November.