A partnership between the city of Riverside and delivery service DoorDash was announced Wednesday involving deliveries to people in need throughout the city, relying on products provided by area food banks and other charities.
“The city is proud to partner (in) `Project DASH’ to address food insecurity,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. “Food insecurity is a growing issue across inland Southern California. And in Riverside, we are excited to be taking proactive and innovative steps to address the needs in our community.”
Project DASH entails DoorDash drivers transporting groceries and other items from nonprofits to the homes of those who depend on the donated products.
The Community Settlement Association and Lighthouse of Hope Foundation are also principals in the partnership.
“One of the greatest hurdles to addressing food insecurity is knowing where the need exists in our city,” Lighthouse of Hope Foundation founder Donna Sautia said. “What makes me most excited about this partnership is how it will help our leaders see where the greatest needs are and empower them to plan and provide accordingly.”
In addition to making deliveries, DoorDash representatives will coordinate with the city in tracking delivery routes and demand to identify areas where needs are paramount.
Project DASH was initiated in 2018 in communities across the United States, becoming more widely utilized during the COVID-related public health lockdowns.
According to DoorDash, more than 50 million meals have been delivered since the program’s inception.
“Empowering communities is at the core of our mission at DoorDash,” company spokeswoman Caitlin Gillis said. “We are humbled by the work the Community Settlement Association, Lighthouse of Hope and Riverside are doing in the community, and we look forward to working with them to broaden food access.”
According to officials, the city and nonprofits will not bear any expenses under Project DASH. DoorDash said all logistical costs will be covered through in-kind contributions.
More information is available at doordashimpact.com/community.