DoorDash, United Way, OHS Mark Milestone In Fight Against Hunger

OSSINING, NY — United Way of Westchester and Putnam, DoorDash and Ossining High School marked a milestone in their work caring for hungry households, hosting a news conference Wednesday at Ossining High School with students and teachers as well as local and state officials.

The event marked 75,000 local deliveries through the local Project DASH initiative. Since 2020, DoorDash has partnered with United Way Worldwide and its chapters to support families affected by food insecurity.

The event also recognized participants and teachers in Ossining High School’s OPRIME program, where students prepare and hand out bags of fresh fruit and vegetables from Feeding Westchester, which are then delivered by Dashers to local households facing food insecurity. The program gives students opportunities to learn valuable practical and social skills in a hands-on environment, while connecting with their community.

“Thanks to DoorDash, United Way of Westchester and Putnam and Feeding Westchester for making 75,000 deliveries of nutritious food to residents in our area,” said New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “And a special thank you to the Ossining High School students who contributed to this important effort. Even in affluent Westchester, 37 percent of households are at risk for hunger. We need more partnerships like these that address food insecurity with creative solutions that put food on the table for families who would otherwise go without.”

United Way of Westchester and Putnam CEO Tom Gabriel said by teaming up with DoorDash and 40 local partners such as Feeding Westchester and the Ossining School District, United Way works to close the transportation gap that prevents too many seniors and families from accessing the nutritious produce and pantry staples.

Feeding Westchester provides 1,000 households with nourishing food and educational activities directly to their doorsteps, said President Karen C. Erren said. "That is incredible and ensures that children and their families can depend on having nutritious food in their homes. Partners like United Way and DoorDash are so valuable. We make a greater impact — and get more food to more families — when we work together.”

OPRIME provides the opportunity to meet families where they are at, said Ossining Schools Superintendent Raymond Sanchez. "It ensures that they retain their dignity while getting the resources they need, and it certainly has a positive impact on student achievement. We know if students are hungry, they cannot learn as well.”

New York State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef said she was especially proud of the students who have demonstrated a commitment to fighting food insecurity at such a young age. "They are representative of the bright future ahead of us."

Project DASH enables government and nonprofit partners to use DoorDash to facilitate deliveries for social impact and increase access to food and critical essentials in their communities. Overall, Project DASH has powered over 2.5 million deliveries of an estimated more than 50 million estimated meals across the U.S. and Canada.

“United Way of Westchester and Putnam does amazing work to help families in need and combat food insecurity. We’re honored to help deliver to their members and to be recognizing their work today,” said Sascha Owen, Government Relations Manager at DoorDash. “We’re also very grateful to the students of Ossining High School, whose dedication to supporting their community throughout this time of extreme need truly inspires us.”

Patch has partnered with Feeding America since 2020 to help raise awareness of hunger in our local communities, a persistent national problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that 1 in 8 people face hunger. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.