In a remarkable effort to combat food insecurity, Amazon Flex has launched its Community Delivery Program, transforming the landscape of hunger relief with a unique approach. This initiative empowers Amazon Flex delivery partners to extend their services beyond regular parcels, enabling them to deliver essential meals and supplies from food banks and local organizations directly to those in dire need, free of charge for the recipients.

The inception of the program in 2020 marked a significant shift in addressing the challenges brought on by COVID-19, which severely impacted access to basic necessities for many. Community Delivery has since become a lifeline, delivering over 30 million meals to a diverse range of beneficiaries, including people with disabilities, vulnerable seniors, those lacking transportation, and communities hindered by language barriers.

One striking example of the program’s impact is evident in Los Angeles. Here, a partnership between the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Community Delivery has been indispensable since the pandemic’s onset. It offers a contactless delivery service, a crucial aid particularly for older adults and those with health conditions. During the early, uncertain days of 2020, local delivery partners were instrumental in transporting 3,000 boxes daily, each packed with a week’s supply of fruits, vegetables, beans, rice, and more.

Adrianne Bryant, an Amazon Flex delivery partner since 2021, shares her experience: “It makes you temporarily forget your own problems. It feels really good to be part of this.” Her work has included deliveries through a partnership with Lighthouse, a Detroit-based nonprofit focused on poverty reduction.

The reach of Community Delivery is expanding, currently active in over 25 cities with plans to grow further. The program owes its success to thousands of delivery partners who have embraced the opportunity to serve their communities.

The process is streamlined within the Amazon Flex app, where Community Delivery blocks are distinctly marked. Unlike typical Amazon sites, pickups for these deliveries occur at food banks and warehouses, often in parking lots or similar open spaces. Although these packages don’t require scanning due to the absence of barcodes, support remains readily available for delivery partners encountering any issues.

This initiative stands as a testament to the power of community-focused solutions in tackling food insecurity, proving that even a single delivery can make a significant difference in the fight against hunger.