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 appropriate food. Background, income level, and age are just a few of the factors that determine what people purchase and eat.
Why It Matters
By strengthening last-mile delivery, Food Link ensures that people who are most at risk of being left behind, those who are homebound, living with mobility challenges, or facing geographic isolation, can reliably access food. It reduces missed meals caused by transportation and health barriers, while enabling community organizations to extend their reach beyond physical locations. In doing so, Food Link helps create a more inclusive and responsive food system, one that meets people where they are and ensures dignified access to food for all.
Be Part of the Solution
Food Link is building a more inclusive and responsive food system — one that meets people where they are.
- Community organizations can expand their reach to serve more residents in need
- Food suppliers can contribute to targeted, high-impact distribution
- Partners and supporters can help scale a proven, practical solution
Together, we are ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing food.
Supporting food access for British Columbians
Food Link connects community-based organizations, food suppliers, and delivery infrastructure to move food efficiently to those who cannot access traditional programs:
- Community organizations identify needs
Local nonprofits work directly with individuals and families who are unable to access food programs due to mobility, health, or transportation barriers.
- Food is prepared and coordinated locally
Meals, grocery hampers, or culturally appropriate food are sourced through local partners and prepared for distribution.
- Delivery is arranged through logistics partners
Through our partnership with DoorDash, organizations can arrange direct-to-door delivery—ensuring food reaches clients safely, quickly, and reliably.
This model removes the expectation that people must travel to access food, and instead brings food to them.
“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.
Are you a community organization that would benefit from our last-mile delivery program to support the needs of residents in your region? If you are looking to address this critical gap in your community, reach out to us, and we can discuss opportunities currently available.
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.