Can DoorDash be a way to fix food insecurity? The city of Paterson may soon find out.
This week, Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, DoorDash officials and local nonprofit organizations celebrated a momentous partnership through DoorDash’s Community Credits program to address food insecurity.
DoorDash has united with Sayegh in a collaborative endeavor, aligning this effort with the company’s commitment to supporting the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health.
This pioneering initiative involves the distribution of $2,500 in DoorDash gift cards to seven community partners dedicated to expanding access to food resources, including CUMAC Echo, New Jersey Community Development Corp., Oasis — A Haven for Women and Children, Paterson Reintegration Assistance Program, St. Joseph’s Health, the Islamic Center of Passaic County and Paterson Guaranteed Income program.
The $2,500 in DoorDash gift cards will be provided in time for the upcoming holidays, further supporting the organizations’ efforts to enhance food access and alleviate food insecurity in the Paterson community.
Sayegh said he was thrilled to make the announcement.
“Through our partnership with DoorDash, we are taking substantial measures to combat food insecurity in our community,” he said. “Together, we are improving food access and positively impacting the lives of our residents. This collaboration exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in addressing critical issues and fortifying a more resilient city.”
Ivan Garcia, head of public engagement in New Jersey for DoorDash, said the initiative matches the mission and vision of the company.
“Community is at the heart of everything DoorDas does to grow and empower local economies,” he said. “We’re proud to be working with Mayor Sayegh and the city of Paterson to provide DoorDash gift cards and help support the incredible work these organizations do to expand food access.”
U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-9th Dist.) emphasized the significance of program.
“Nutrition is one of the cornerstones of any great society,” he said. “Programs that feed hungry children could not be more important. The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health was historic and helped put our nation on the path to our goal of ending hunger. Today’s announcement is positive news and can keep more families in Paterson fed and healthy.”
Former Gov. James McGreevey, who now serves as the executive director and chairman of New Jersey Reentry Corp., agreed.
“Improving access and reducing food insecurity is key to supporting health and well-being for Paterson residents who need a fresh start,” he said. “Through this partnership, DoorDash is helping to make sure that we’re expanding access to crucial resources and support throughout Paterson and address that insecurity for some of our most vulnerable residents.”
