WS Chronicle

United Way of Forsyth County, in collaboration with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, will again use its Ride United Last Mile Delivery program to deliver free bags of food to local students and their families who have been identified as high risk for hunger. This program reduces transportation and health barriers for students and families by providing food and essential items, which are delivered to their doorsteps before the holiday break. The items have been donated to United Way of Forsyth County through a food drive.

This year marks United Way’s third year of partnering with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools to deliver food bags. One hundred and fifty families (representing 555 children) will benefit from this program. Ride United Last Mile Delivery partners with DoorDash to deliver the food bags to each family’s door at no cost to them.

“Our Ride United Last Mile Delivery program is one of the many ways United Way helps people respond to and recover from challenges, including those associated with hunger,” said United Way of Forsyth County President and CEO Antonia Monk Richburg, Ph.D. “Too many students and their families face ongoing financial challenges, especially when it comes to putting food on the table and covering other basic needs.

“By partnering with DoorDash, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and Bimbo Bakeries USA, United Way can help ensure that students and their families won’t go hungry when school is not in session during the next few weeks,” Richburg added. “The bags will contain food, snacks and a variety of other essential items to help compensate for food the children usually eat at school. We hope this helps prevent children from going hungry in a season that is meant to be joyful for local families.”

People who need help finding available local resources, including food, can call 211 or visit 211.org for more information.