By Bunge Okeyo (Operations, Social Impact) & Emma Glazer (Dasher Marketing)
Dashers across the U.S., Canada, and Australia have played an important role in their communities, delivering food and essentials to customers and keeping local businesses going through this challenging time.
During COVID-19, there has been an increased need for last-mile delivery of food and supplies, especially for those at high risk. To do our part, DoorDash expanded Project DASH, partnering with government agencies, restaurants, and community organizations, including our national collaboration with United Way Worldwide. In our first eight weeks and across 46 states, Dashers have already delivered more than 650,000 meals from senior centers, schools, food banks, food pantries, and restaurants to seniors, medically fragile students, healthcare workers, and food insecure families. We plan to continue expanding to support communities across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
While the impact of these deliveries is unique, in many ways, Project DASH deliveries are completed like a typical DoorDash delivery. Dashers are paid for every delivery they complete. They are informed that the delivery is contact-free and encouraged to use personal protective equipment provided by DoorDash.
Thousands of Dashers — from New York City to San Jose, New Orleans to Akron — have completed deliveries to vulnerable community members and healthcare workers as part of Project DASH. Dashers Trina, Will, Jerry, and Tim have collectively delivered nearly 300 Project DASH deliveries. Here’s what they have to say about the experience.
Delivering food to healthcare workers who are helping with COVID-19 is a priceless feeling. The thank you we get and the smiles on their faces say it all. I’m proud to be part of this team!
— Wil, Bronx
During this pandemic I’m out delivering to communities and the elderly under Project DASH. Project DASH is just simply amazing with what they have to offer. Stay safe and wear your gloves and face mask at all times.
— Trina, Long Island
It’s been an honor to do this. To help my community and be part of the solution brings happiness and joy to my heart! After getting to do these deliveries, now you got one of the best dashers on the road.
— Jerry, San Jose
I’ve been dashing since February and it has really put a smile on my face! Dashing allows me to take care of the bills and to help people. With all that is going on, the most important thing is to be safe by wearing gloves and a mask and doing no contact deliveries. Through Project DASH I have picked up deliveries for seniors in need. They are so grateful to have food packages delivered and it feels even better to know I’m helping to get food to people in the community who need it most.
— Tim, Manhattan
Celebrating the Dashers Behind Project DASH was originally published in DoorDash on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.