College students often face food insecurity, yet they are frequently overlooked in discussions about the issue. Balancing academic commitments and financial pressures leaves many struggling to access adequate food. Recognizing this challenge, DoorDash has released a new research report demonstrating how home delivery services can help address food insecurity among college and graduate students.
The report highlights the impact of Project DASH, an initiative designed to support food banks, pantries, and social impact organizations in delivering essential items to those in need. Through a partnership with a student-serving organization, Project DASH has helped deliver an estimated 3,000 meals to college students, serving 40–60 individuals monthly.
Key Findings
Home delivery has proven instrumental in enabling students to focus on their education while supporting themselves and their families. Among surveyed students:
- 78% said delivery freed up time for their studies.
- 78% noted it helped them overcome transportation or mobility barriers.
- 50% reported delivery allowed them to feed family members.
- 40% were juggling jobs alongside their education.
By offering home delivery, the program addresses barriers such as limited pantry hours and the stigma associated with seeking food assistance. Students can apply for deliveries via an online form, ensuring privacy and accessibility.
Overwhelming Demand
The need for this service was immediately clear. Within 24 hours of the first sign-up form being posted, 150 students applied. In a recent intake, two-thirds of applicants reported not receiving financial aid, highlighting the pressing demand for support across diverse student populations.
Real Impact on Students
For many students, the service is a lifeline. Charlene, a second-year undergraduate architecture student, shared:
“I often work weekends and have school or errands during the week, so visiting the pantry in person isn’t always possible. Home delivery, especially during finals, gave me more time to focus on my studies. I was able to refine my work, improve my grades, and create more professional projects. It made a real difference in my academic performance.”
A Broader Solution
This initiative builds on prior research, including a DoorDash-supported Urban Institute report that found home delivery significantly reduces food access barriers for a variety of people. The majority of clients (97.8%) reported saving money, and many noted improved ability to work or attend school.
DoorDash’s commitment to combating food insecurity highlights the importance of innovative solutions like home delivery in addressing the unique challenges faced by college students. To learn more, you can read the full report
