Charlotte nonprofits can now request a Lyft driver to deliver groceries, medical supplies and other items to low-income communities in Charlotte.
Lyft announced Wednesday that through its Essential Deliveries initiative, government agencies, nonprofits, health care organizations and other groups can request on-demand delivery of meals, groceries, medicine and other necessities. The program is live in cities across the country, and began in the Queen City today.
In Charlotte, Lyft is working with local food pantry Loaves & Fishes to deliver groceries to low-income communities. Lyft said other local organizations can also request to join the program.
Lyft says all of its deliveries will be contact-free.
“As Charlotte shelters in place, the need for items to be delivered to the doorstep is at an all-time high,” Lisa Boyd, director of Social Impact at Lyft, said in a statement. “Whether it's meals for high-risk seniors or medical supplies for individuals with a medical condition, Lyft’s community of drivers is ready to help meet the needs of our communities while earning additional income.”
Lyft's Essential Deliveries is also meant to help drivers earn additional income as the demand for ride-sharing plummets during stay-at-home orders. Last week Lyft laid off nearly 1,000 workers, roughly 17 percent of its staff, and furloughed an additional 288. Experts estimate that ride-sharing volume is down as much as 70 to 80 percent.
Charlotte is the third Southeast city where Lyft has implemented Essential Deliveries, following Atlanta and Orlando.
“Loaves & Fishes provides the critical need of food for thousands of families in our community each week,” Tina Postel, executive director of Loaves & Fishes, said in a statement. "During this COVID-19 crisis, we have seen the need for emergency groceries triple. We are grateful for the food delivery option that Lyft's Essential Deliveries pilot provides for individuals and families who urgently need groceries but are unable to access food through our mobile pantry locations."
