A new deal between the City and County of Denver and online food ordering and food delivery platform DoorDash will allow for more funding for the city’s Community Credits Program.
Thanks to the new partnership, the program will receive $80,000 from DoorDash. The Community Credits Program works to halt food insecurity and supports the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health by distributing gift cards to local organizations working to combat hunger.
In a release, the city said the Community Credits Program has been crucial in addressing hunger, particularly during the recent newcome influx in Denver and for supporting people experiencing homelessness. This program also supported Denver’s newcomer work authorization clinics by providing food to newcomers at the events.
“The city’s mission to support those in need cannot just fall on one entity or organization. We can only accomplish our goals through collaboration with partners from all areas of our city and are thankful for DoorDash for its commitment and leadership toward helping our city flourish,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnson in a statement.
The Community Credits Program also helped to feed volunteers at an event where people experiencing homelessness were introduced to their new homes. Thanks to the $80,000 contribution from DoorDash, the City and County of Denver will be able to partner with various local Denver businesses.
The city said 39 percent of DoorDash’s deliveries are made to communities of color while 31 percent are delivered to low-income communities.
“As part of our ongoing partnership with the City of Denver, we were proud to provide community credits to help support the City’s efforts to combat food insecurity. One of our highest priorities at DoorDash is expanding food access across the communities we serve, and these credits allow Mayor Johnson and his team to support local Denver businesses while providing meals to Denver residents who need them,” said DoorDash Government Relations Manager Anna Powell in a statement.
In February, Johnson said more than 40,000 migrants have arrived in Denver over the past year, more than any other U.S. city per capita. This influx of new people in the city has created a demand for resources, including access to food.
According to Hunger Free Colorado, one in three Coloradans experience food insecurity, meaning they don’t have consistent access to food. Meanwhile, the Colorado Children’s Campaign found that hunger disproportionately affects children in Denver, with an estimated 16 percent of Colorado children not getting enough nutritious food.
In general, research has also shown that Latino communities are disproportionately affected by food insecurity. Data from Feeding America shows that one in five Latinos in the United States experienced food insecurity in 2022.
If you or someone you know is struggling with hunger, call the free Food Resource Hotline at 855-855-4626. This number can help Colorado families and individuals access SNAP/food stamps, food pantries, and other food programs.
