Amazon said it has delivered more than 60 million meals for free to people in need
Amazon said it has helped to provide more than 60 million meals for free from food banks across the US and UK to those facing food insecurity, a situation that confronts nearly 50 million people annually in America.
The retailer also plans to ramp up its food access efforts (in partnership with food banks) over the next three years to deliver meals for free to individuals and families in need.
“The impact of home delivery goes beyond convenience—research shows that it can save families on average $100 monthly in time and travel costs,” Bettina Stix, Amazon’s global director of community impact, said in a statement. “By extending home delivery through 2028, we’re committing to continue using our delivery network to help ensure families have reliable access to nutritious meals.”
Amazon AMZN 0.00%↑ noted that its food access initiative launched during the pandemic as “an emergency response” and from there has evolved into a longer-term mission to expand food access. It also said that the challenge with food insecurity isn’t always about having enough food but making sure that food reaches those who are facing hunger.
To that end, Amazon said its partnership with nationwide food banks is a way to leverage the company’s vast logistics and delivery network to assist with free home delivery, bulk delivery to food banks and to reach people, including in rural communities, who are facing transportation barriers, mobility challenges, or other obstacles that prevent access to traditional food assistance programs.