Ridesharing company Lyft announced a number of new initiatives over the weekend to help combat problems arising from the continued COVID-19 crisis. That includes meal delivery for those in need.
In a corporate blog post last Friday, Lyft outlined the new steps it was taking:
Supporting delivery of meals for kids and seniors in need: Students who receive free or subsidized lunch at school and home-bound seniors have been heavily affected by shelter-in-place advisories. To meet crucial food access gaps, Lyft is working in partnership with government agencies and local non-profits. Starting with a pilot in the Bay Area, drivers will be able to pick up meals from distribution centers and deliver them without contact to individuals in need. We are working to quickly scale this program throughout California and across the country.
As schools have been forced to close amid the global pandemic, there is ongoing concern about how kids in low-income areas will get fed. In response, schools have been creating grab-and-go meals, but those still need to get to the kids, something that isn’t easy when parents have to work (and fear losing their jobs). Lyft stepping in like this could provide a great community service.
Lyft also said it was activating its LyftUp program, a partnership with public heath entities, non-profits, governments and community organizations to provide additional assistance to serve populations in need. Through LyftUp Grocery Access Program, Lyft will be providing rides “to and from grocery stores in food insecure areas.”
Lyft is among a number of companies stepping up to serve the most vulnerable populations at this time. In Atlanta, Goodr has been working with schools to deliver meals to 40,000 students in that school district.
In addition to food related activities, Lyft also launched programs to assist with the delivery of medical supplies, and non-emergency medical transportation for low income individuals.
While Lyft, the company, announced these initiatives, it’s important to remember that it ain’t the C-level execs or hardware engineers or marketing teams that will be driving around and delivering meals. It’s the everyday contractors who are literally on the front lines of this epidemic. If you are still using ridesharing services (we assume you’re only leaving your house to get groceries), and are able — tip generously.
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