Delivered Across America: Project DASH Hits 125 Million Meals Delivered
At DoorDash, broadening access to nutritious food is not just a mission—it’s central to everything we do. That commitment is embodied in Project DASH (DoorDash Acts for Sustainability and Hunger), a signature initiative focused on eliminating barriers to food access through last-mile delivery. Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of hundreds of organizations—including Feeding America network food banks, United Way and 211 agencies, Meals on Wheels America affiliates, and many more—Project DASH has now made a powerful impact across North America. We are proud to announce that the program has facilitated over 7 million deliveries, helping distribute more than 125 million meals to households in need throughout the United States and Canada.
Supporting Health Through Food as Medicine Programs
One of the most compelling areas of Project DASH’s impact lies in its support of food as medicine initiatives. These programs recognize the vital connection between nutrition and health outcomes. For vulnerable populations, especially those living with chronic conditions, consistent access to nutritious food can significantly improve physical and mental well-being.
To that end, Project DASH partners with dozens of food as medicine programs across the country. One notable example is our partnership with the Emergency Food Network (EFN) and Virginia Mason Medical Center in Washington State. This collaboration enables patients facing food insecurity to receive medically tailored meal deliveries directly to their homes.
This month marks a significant milestone: EFN and DoorDash are celebrating the successful completion of more than 6,000 deliveries, totaling over 75,000 meals, distributed across Pierce County, Washington. These deliveries include fresh fruits and vegetables, shelf-stable pantry items, proteins, and dairy—all curated to support recipients’ health needs.
EFN plays a critical role in Pierce County’s broader food security infrastructure, and DoorDash’s technology and logistics help strengthen their Home Delivery Program. By bridging the transportation gap, Project DASH ensures that residents with limited mobility or transportation options still receive the food they need to thrive.
Serving the Aging Population: Removing Barriers for Seniors
Food insecurity among older adults continues to rise. According to Feeding America, nearly 7 million seniors over the age of 60 were food insecure in 2022, a number that is expected to grow due to inflation, fixed incomes, and mobility challenges. Seniors often face significant transportation and accessibility barriers that prevent them from getting to grocery stores, food pantries, or community meal sites.
To help address these challenges, Project DASH proudly partners with Meals on Wheels America and local Meals on Wheels providers across more than 30 states. This collaboration has enabled us to complete over 125,000 deliveries of meals directly to seniors’ homes, ensuring they have consistent access to nutritious food without having to leave the safety and comfort of their homes.
Project DASH’s support is especially critical in regions where driver shortages or staffing issues strain the capacity of local organizations. By leveraging DoorDash’s logistics infrastructure, local Meals on Wheels programs can serve more seniors, reduce waitlists, and increase delivery frequency. Ultimately, this helps more seniors age in place with dignity while receiving the nourishment they need.
Supporting Veterans and Reducing Hunger in the Nation’s Capital
Washington, D.C. faces significant hunger challenges, with over 74,000 residents—roughly 10% of the city’s population—experiencing food insecurity. In 2022, DoorDash partnered with D.C. Central Kitchen (DCCK) to bolster their efforts in combatting hunger and food waste. Since then, Project DASH has helped deliver more than 100,000 meals to seniors throughout the city.
Building on this foundation, DCCK and Project DASH recently launched a new initiative focused on veterans facing food insecurity and mobility challenges. According to recent data, 1 in 5 active-duty and veteran families experienced food insecurity in 2023—a staggering statistic that highlights the urgent need for targeted support.
Through this new program, DoorDash is helping DCCK ensure that veterans who have served our country do not go hungry. By leveraging our last-mile delivery capabilities, we are proud to help these heroes access the nutrition they need to maintain their health and dignity.
Strategic Investments and Advocacy for Long-Term Impact
Beyond deliveries, Project DASH is committed to supporting its partners through strategic investments and advocacy. Since 2024, we have provided over $1.5 million in Project DASH Impact Grants and additional support to local organizations working on the front lines of hunger relief. These funds help partners expand their capacity, hire staff, increase delivery frequency, and obtain more nutritious food for their clients.
These grants empower organizations to innovate and scale their operations, whether by reaching new populations, enhancing food quality, or improving logistics. As delivery becomes an increasingly vital part of hunger relief strategies, our investment helps ensure sustainable growth in this area.
Project DASH is also actively involved in public policy efforts to improve food access nationwide. As a proud member of the Alliance to End Hunger, and in collaboration with anti-hunger leaders like the National CSFP Association and Meals on Wheels America, we support the Delivering for Rural Seniors Act, a bipartisan bill in Congress. This proposed legislation would authorize a pilot program to deliver monthly food boxes to low-income and rural seniors, helping bridge food access gaps in some of the most underserved communities.
By combining direct service with advocacy, Project DASH helps shape a future in which every household—regardless of age, geography, or mobility—can receive the nourishment they need to live healthy, dignified lives.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Commitment to Ending Hunger
As we celebrate these milestones, we are deeply grateful to our partners who have made this work possible. The continued success of Project DASH reflects the power of collaboration between nonprofit organizations, local communities, and private-sector innovation.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to scaling our impact and evolving to meet the changing needs of food-insecure individuals and families. Whether through expanding our partnerships, increasing investment in technology, or advocating for policy change, Project DASH will continue to be a force for good—delivering more than just meals, but also hope, dignity, and opportunity.
We invite other community-based organizations, food banks, clinics, senior centers, and nonprofits to join us in our mission. Together, we can build a more inclusive, more resilient food system—one delivery at a time.
