When life's trajectory changes, put up a Christmas tree

Many households in the Northern California region struggle to make ends meet and depend on community-based programs to feed their families. Income losses, inflation, sickness, and frequent Covid related quarantine periods, contribute to a rise in food insecure households. NorCal 211, United Way of Northern California’s (UWNC) non-emergency crisis resource, received 268,104 inquiries in 2021. The second most frequent resource request was food.

“No matter what the reason is, no-one should go hungry.” Amy Forrest, UWNC’s 211 Resource Specialist & DoorDash Coordinator says. “The pandemic has people quarantined without the ability to get food from their local foodbank, and others can no longer afford to maintain their primary mode of transportation due to inflation and lost their ability to pick up their weekly foodbank grocery bags.”

The food inquiries and personal stories from 211 callers moved Amy deeply and propelled her to action. “If we can have ordered food delivered by DoorDash, why not foodbank food, I thought?” When United Way Worldwide announced its collaboration with DoorDash, Amy ensured Shasta and Tehama County residents would be among its beneficiaries. As a coordinator between various foodbanks and DoorDash, UWNC ensured that those unable to pick up their groceries would not go hungry and have food delivered to their home.

Isaac, a Shasta County Door Dasher, commented on the program: “It’s a brilliant idea. Some folks live far out, and from what I see when I deliver the grocery bags, they are in genuine need of this food.”

With Amy’s help, UWNC’s coordination between foodbanks and Doordash allowed for 4,288 deliveries to neighbors in need.   

Additionally, in 2021 United Way of Northern California provided close to $30,000 to various feeding programs in Shasta, Trinity, Lassen, Tehama and Butte County.

 “It makes me emotional when I hear these numbers,” says Amy with tears welling up in her eyes, “such a simple idea helps so many people. I am grateful that we were able to extend this program into 2022 and continue to serve our community with the DoorDash program.”

For more on Amy's story watch this short video: https://youtu.be/aJfzkKCcfxY