TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) \u2014 A short-term partnership between 2-1-1 Big Bend, DoorDash, and local organizations helped hundreds of families receive food deliveries to their homes during the federal shutdown. That effort is coming to a close, but not before one final delivery.<\/p>\n
2-1-1 Big Bend, DoorDash, and Second Harvest teamed up during the SNAP lapse.1,000 food deliveries were made to families who couldn\u2019t reach local pantries.The short-term project is ending, but one last Thanksgiving meal delivery is planned.Watch the video below to hear what local leaders said about the impact of this partnership.<\/p>\n
Emergency Food Delivery Project wraps up after helping hundreds during SNAP lapse<\/p>\n
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:<\/p>\n
When the federal shutdown froze food benefits, a local partnership jumped into action. That effort is now winding down, but not before helping hundreds of families get the food they need.<\/p>\n
When SNAP benefits paused this month, phone lines at 2-1-1 Big Bend started ringing non-stop. That’s when DoorDash’s Project DASH stepped in, using drivers to deliver pantry boxes right to people’s homes.<\/p>\n
Darrell Davis, Senior Manager for Public Engagement at DoorDash said, “We saw that so many people who were suffering due to benefits being cut. It was our responsibility as a partner to step in and really utilize our existing network through Project Dash to try to deliver as many meals as possible and partners like 2-1-1 Big Bend were able to mobilize very quickly.”<\/p>\n
2-1-1 Big Bend CEO Kay Ignacio says the partnership, which included Second Harvest, led to hundreds of deliveries.<\/p>\n
“Our partnership with DoorDash has been integral. It has helped our counselors so much\u2026We just celebrated our 1,000th delivery with DoorDash, and it’s been a giant exciting celebration,” said Ignacio.<\/p>\n
State Representative Allison Tant also praised the project for fighting food insecurity during the government shutdown.<\/p>\n
“Food insecurity is real. It has lasting impacts on the family\u2026You’re always wondering where the next thing is coming from. I saw it with my own mom\u2026The fact that DoorDash came together with 2-1-1 Big Bend to make a difference when we needed them the most is a really remarkable story for Tallahassee, and I’m so grateful.” said Allison Tant, State Representative <\/p>\n
With SNAP payments flowing again, and the government back open, the partnership will soon phase out. But not before one last mega-delivery with the help of Keiser University.<\/p>\n
“On Wednesday, November 26, we will be delivering 1000 Thanksgiving meals. All you have to do is call 2-1-1 Big Bend if you or your family is in need this holiday season,” Ignacio added.<\/p>\n
Though the project will soon come to an end, community leaders say the impact will last.<\/p>\n
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