United Way Worldwide Wins 2021 BIG Innovation Award for Ride United Last Mile Delivery Initiative

Alexandria, VA—January 14, 2021—United Way Worldwide today announced its Ride United Last Mile Delivery Initiative, a partnership with DoorDash, has received a 2021 BIG Innovation Award presented by the Business Intelligence Group.  Ride United Last Mile Delivery provides free “last mile” delivery of food and essential items from local food banks, food pantries and other distribution points to senior citizens, low-income families and those who can’t leave home. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising levels of hunger in communities across the United States, United Way and DoorDash initiated a major expansion of Ride United to more than 295 communities. United Way and 211, a vital service connecting people to essential health and human services, work with local food pantry partners to identify those in need of essential deliveries.  

Since April 2020, Last Mile Delivery has provided more than 210,000 free deliveries including 2.4 million meals, supporting over 22,000 households in need of food pantry boxes, food bank meals and other essential items. Last Mile is currently active in 23 markets across 15 states, serving 295 cities and towns. United Way works with more than 220 local community partners, including food pantries, schools, community gardens and places of worship to facilitate deliveries. The implementation success has resulted in securing additional sponsorship from national donors like the Albertsons Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, Ciara and Russell Wilson and their Why Not You Foundation and others.  

“Complicated problems such as food insecurity during COVID-19 require innovative solutions,” said Rachel Krausman, Senior Director 211, United Way Worldwide. “United Way is proud of our partnership with DoorDash and the community partners that we work with to provide meals to our most vulnerable populations. United Way looks forward to further supporting America’s recovery by expanding Ride United Last Mile Delivery this year.” 

“More than ever, the global society relies on innovation to help progress humanity and make our lives more productive, healthy and comfortable,” said Maria Jimenez, Chief Operating Officer of the Business Intelligence Group. “We are thrilled to be honoring United Way Worldwide as they are one of the organizations leading this charge and helping humanity progress.” 

"United Way Worldwide does tremendous work in communities across the country and we're proud that through Project DASH and the Dasher community, we can help power this program," said Sueli Shaw, Head of Social Impact, DoorDash.  

For more information about Ride United, please visit: www.unitedway.org/rideunited.

About United Way 
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. With global reach and local impact, we’re making life better for 48 million people annually. United Way is the world's largest privately funded nonprofit, working in 95% of U.S. communities and 40 countries and territories. That’s why we’re the mission of choice for 2.5 million volunteers, 7.7 million donors and 45,000 corporate partners. In the wake of COVID-19, we’re helping people stay in their homes, stock their pantries, and protect their lives and livelihoods. And we’re working to build resilient, equitable communities. Learn more at UnitedWay.org. Follow us: @United Way and #LiveUnited. 

About Business Intelligence Group
The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world. Unlike other industry award programs, these programs are judged by business executives having experience and knowledge. The organization’s proprietary and unique scoring system selectively measures performance across multiple business domains and then rewards those companies whose achievements stand above those of their peers.