United Way of the Plains Enhances Ride United: Last Mile Delivery Program

NOTE: This program concluded in January 2024. If you are looking for help, please dial 2-1-1 to get connected to food pantry services in your community.

WICHITA, Kan., Sept. 29, 2022 – United Way of the Plains launched Ride United: Last Mile Delivery (RULMD) earlier this year through a partnership with DoorDash. The program provides “last mile” home delivery services to those in need. Throughout United Way and the nationwide 211 network, DoorDash has committed to 1.5 million free deliveries in 2022.

United Way of the Plains President and CEO, Pete Najera, said the program has been used this year by area nonprofits to provide needed assistance and access to services. “We’re thrilled to be working with local nonprofits to stretch their budgets and improve their impact with this delivery program. Local nonprofits like Giving the Basics and Kitchen Restore have been using RULMD to transport items to those they serve. Our goal has been to expand this service to help address the needs of people living in food deserts within our community. Two of our generous partners, Bank of America and Cargill, have provided grants to make that goal a reality.”

Abel Frederic, Vice President of Community Impact for United Way of the Plains, said United Way of the Plains is using funding from Cargill and Bank of America to partner with United Methodist Open Door (UMOD) for food deliveries. “Deann Smith, Executive Director of UMOD, has mobilized her team to purchase food and utilize RULMD to make deliveries. Food recipients are identified through the partner agencies that comprise Impact ICT – Continuum of Care (CoC). This is a creative solution to caring for our neighbors who have transportation barriers, may be experiencing health issues or face other challenges.”

Shawn Lancelot, President, Bank of America Wichita, said the food delivery program was a natural fit for the type of work his team financially supports. “Many people in our community are still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. Improving access to food enhances overall well-being and stabilizes families. This program is an important way to help meet the basic needs of individuals and families.”

United Way of the Plains hopes to utilize the delivery program to bring nutritious food to 200 individuals and families per month. Those agencies interested in participating in the program should contact Matt Lowe, Community Impact Manager for Basic Needs with United Way of the Plains, at mlowe@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267‑1321, ext. 4233.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Angie Prather, Vice President of Marketing and Chief Community Engagement Officer, (316) 267‑1321, ext. 4105, aprather@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.