Ford Invests $2.3M to Combat Hunger in Major U.S Cities

In a powerful move to address the pressing issue of hunger in the United States, the Ford Motor Company Fund (Ford Fund) has pledged a remarkable $2.3 million towards innovative mobility solutions. This initiative is designed to enhance access to fresh food in cities where Ford’s manufacturing plants are located.

Ford has long been dedicated to strengthening the communities where its employees reside. As the largest employer of UAW-represented autoworkers, with 24 manufacturing plants across the U.S., Ford understands the importance of supporting local causes. This philanthropic ethos now extends to cities where the company has a manufacturing presence, as Ford Fund seeks to make a positive difference by addressing food insecurity in these regions.

In our nation today, over 34 million Americans, including a staggering 9 million children, grapple with food insecurity daily. During Hunger Action Month this September, Ford Fund is announcing strategic partnerships with food banks, DoorDash, and Feeding America. Their aim is to assist individuals and families experiencing hunger by providing access to food through mobile delivery services.

By investing in mobility solutions, Ford Fund, along with its partners, is poised to deploy resources in transportation and technology to help bridge the gap between limited access to transportation and access to food.

Luisa Schumacher, the Senior Manager of Essential Services at Ford Fund, acknowledges the growing hunger crisis in the United States. She emphasizes the unprecedented strain on families and food banks nationwide. Schumacher reaffirms Ford’s commitment to collaborate closely with local organizations to tackle the rising issue of food insecurity and reach more individuals in Ford’s communities.

As part of this initiative, Ford Fund is investing $320,000 in local food banks in Detroit, Louisville, Memphis, and West Tennessee to facilitate home delivery of meals. This collaboration involves DoorDash’s Project DASH, which will empower food banks and food pantries to utilize DoorDash’s logistics network, ensuring enhanced access to food services within their communities. DoorDash, a pioneering force in mobile food delivery, will have its drivers, known as Dashers, delivering food and fresh produce to nearly 2,500 households per month, including those with limited transportation options.

The participating food banks include Dare to Care Food Bank in Louisville, Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Mid-South Food Bank in Western Tennessee.

Ford Fund is not stopping there. The organization has committed a staggering $1.25 million in innovation grants to Feeding America food banks in Ford’s home-base communities later this year. These grants will enable food banks to develop and expand innovative mobility solutions that combat food insecurities. The beneficiaries of these grants are strategically located in upstate New York, Illinois, Ohio, Southeast Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas, and South Florida.

Casey Marsh, Chief Development Officer at Feeding America, emphasizes that this partnership with Ford Fund is a crucial step toward building a hunger-free America. Ford Fund’s remaining investments will be channeled into collaborations with organizations such as Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Fishes and Loaves in Southeast Michigan, Detroit Food Academy, The Salvation Army Bed and Bread Club, and Eastern Market in Detroit.

Ford Fund has a rich history of supporting local communities through food services via its network of Ford Resource and Engagement Centers. These centers serve as hubs for nonprofits, residents, and leaders to join forces in support of their neighborhoods. Partnering with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Ford’s community resource centers in Southwest Detroit and on Detroit’s east side currently distribute food to 1,500 families every week, both through client pickups and home deliveries, catering to underserved and transportation-limited residents.

By collaborating with organizations like DoorDash and Feeding America, Ford is not only providing immediate relief but also innovating solutions for the future. As they strive to create a hunger-free America, Ford Fund’s ongoing dedication to supporting local communities remains a beacon of hope for those facing food insecurity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions.

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