Pittsburgh food bank partners with DoorDash to help get fresh produce to those in need

A mash-up between food delivery service DoorDash and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is getting food — including fresh produce — to those left homebound and in need by the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is a critical time for so many people, especially our senior citizens who are not able to leave the home,” said Lisa Scales, president and chief executive of the food bank. “It’s really a health risk for them to leave their home.”

With the help of the state Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s office, the private business and nonprofit came together to get food to those who need it where they are safest amid the covid-19 pandemic — at home.

Tuesday was one of the first deliveries of fresh produce, Scales said. Home deliveries from the food bank are normally boxes of shelf-stable items, such as canned goods, pasta, peanut butter and beans. She said many — especially seniors — have been asking for ways to get fresh produce.

“That fresh produce doesn’t last more than a week or so,” Scales said. “So because of this program, we’re able to get it directly to people’s homes. It will be on their dining room table tonight.”

In the past two months, a host of delivery partners have made 4,000 deliveries. More than 400 people were set to receive fresh produce Tuesday.

Joseph Neutrelle, 24, previously volunteered at the food bank, and he also has been a driver for DoorDash,called a Dasher, for about two years. He said he jumped at the opportunity to combine the two and help give back.

He said it’s the first time he’s seen such a partnership between the business and the nonprofit.

“It’s just a good feeling you get all around,” he said.

Scales said the expanded delivery program will continue through the pandemic and likely beyond in order to make it easier for elderly and other homebound people to get the food they need.

For more information, visit the food bank website at pittsburghfoodbank.org.