Food Link by United Way BC
Increasing access to available high quality, fresh and culturally appropriate food.
Food for all
Not all communities have the same food needs, but everyone has the right to healthy, nutritious, culturally preferable food. Background, income level, and age are just a few of the factors that determine what people purchase and eat.
Driving social change
The Food Link by United Way BC app is a cornerstone of our Food Link Initiative. This innovative mobile app connects the specific food needs of non-profit partners and their clients to local, regional, small-scale food organizations and suppliers while mobilizing volunteers to efficiently and cost-effectively transport food between locations.
We provide food businesses with a free and simple way to donate food to those in need, while ensuring all community members have dignified access to the food that is essential for wellbeing.
Supporting food access for British Columbians
United Way BC’s Food Link initiative connects communities across British Columbia with essential transportation services, ensuring food and other critical items reach individuals and families who need them most. Through Food Link, over 175 community service agencies collaborate to provide vital transportation support to those facing barriers to accessing essential goods.
A cornerstone of Food Link’s success is its partnership with DoorDash, made possible through Project DASH and support from United Way Worldwide. United Way BC is proud to be one of several Canadian non-profits collaborating with DoorDash to support our community partners in bridging the gap for those who cannot access food and essentials independently, including older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals without reliable transportation.
“United Way BC’s partnership with DoorDash means we can ease logistical burdens by connecting people with the essentials they need in a timely manner. Thanks to our Food Link initiative, we can deliver directly to our community partners’ clients, supporting their health and well-being while freeing up nonprofits to focus on other critical work,” says Alžběta Sabová, Director, Food Security at United Way BC.
For Dashers like Michael, who make the deliveries, this partnership offers an opportunity to give back. “Dashing not only helps me support my family, it allows me to serve members of my community who are in need. It makes me feel proud each time I get to fulfill a delivery through Project DASH.”
United Way BC’s Food Link initiative and its partnerships demonstrate how collaborative solutions can address complex challenges, ensuring food security and well-being for individuals and families throughout British Columbia.
About Project DASH:
Project DASH empowers social impact organizations—such as food banks and pantries—to work with Dashers and use DoorDash technology to provide local delivery to their communities. In Canada, Project DASH has powered the delivery of nearly 200,000 meals and essential items to people experiencing food insecurity.
Be the link! Volunteer now and bring food to your neighbours in need.
It’s simple with the Food Link by United Way BC app! Food Link makes it easy for you to be a community champion by picking up and dropping off food donations within your regular routines: on your way to or from work, school, or other appointments. You can even choose one-time or recurring volunteer opportunities.
Sign up with iVolunteer and we’ll let you know when drivers are needed in your area. This low-contact volunteer opportunity means you can give back to your community any time of the year. Unlike many other volunteer opportunities, no criminal record check is needed.
Be a community champion and streamline your food donations today!
The Food Link Initiative along with our Food Link by United Way BC app helps you match your food donations to where they are needed most.
United Way BC works with hundreds of non-profits across British Columbia that distribute food. Using our iVolunteer database we have access to volunteers who can transport your donations quickly and efficiently to those most in need.
Connecting community
People accessing food-serving non-profits, faith-based, and other community service organizations are consumers. Many are employed, and while they may turn to food-serving organizations when needed, they also purchase food. Food Link by United Way BC helps connect food-supplying organizations with the marketplace.
The data we gather from food-serving non-profits can be shared to help you tailor your present and future business to both individual customers and non-profit organizations making large-scale food purchases.
We are looking for early-stage participants for our Food Link by United Way BC app. Be in on the ground as we roll out this remarkable tool. Your feedback and insights will help ensure more people have access to more food.
Sign up today for more information.
Looking to improve your organization’s access to food?
Across British Columbia, food businesses are looking to partner with non-profits to ensure those in need in our communities have access to healthy, nutritious, culturally preferable food. As a trusted connector of communities, United Way BC bridges reliable access to nourishing food across our province with through our Food Link Initiative and Food Link by United Way BC mobile app.
Our Food Link Initiative helps connect you with the food your program participants need. Want to learn more?
Sign up today for more information.
Questions?
If you are interested in or have questions about Food Link by United Way BC, please contact us.