Albertsons Cos and Uber Technologies initiative aims to fight food insecurity and reduce food waste in US

Albertsons Companies and Uber Technologies have announced a food rescue initiative as part of the 2024 White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities.

Piloted last year in the Washington, D.C. area, this utilises Uber Direct, Uber’s white label delivery solution, to create a delivery programme to donate surplus food from Albertsons Cos. stores to local non-profit organisations and food banks.

It has now expanded to Boston, Chicago and Denver to reduce food waste and fight food insecurity in these local communities.

“We are committed to making a real difference in the communities we serve and the planet we share,” says Suzanne Long, Chief Sustainability and Transformation Officer at Albertsons Cos.

“We are thrilled to partner with Uber to streamline the delivery of excess food to our partner food recovery organisations, ensuring that the food donated from our stores gets to those who need it most. Together, we can reduce food waste and feed our neighbours in need.”

The programme has expanded to select Star Market stores in Boston, Jewel-Osco stores in Chicago and Safeway stores in the Denver area.

Albertsons Cos. stores will deliver food donations through Uber Direct’s network of delivery people, who pick up and deliver food to local non-profit organisations and food banks including Greater Boston Food Bank in Boston, St. Cletus Food Pantry in Chicago and Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver.

“After a successful pilot in the Washington, D.C. region, we’re thrilled to continue to use our technology to improve the lives of community members in Boston, Chicago and Denver,” says Julia Paige, Head of Global Social Impact at Uber.

“No individual or family should ever have to experience hunger, and we’re proud to work with partners like Albertsons Cos. to help provide access to nutritious foods.”

“This programme has been a tremendous blessing for our community, as we provide essential food assistance to more than 100 households every week through our food pantry,” says Emily Dold, Food Pantry Manager at The Father McKenna Center.

“Our dedicated food pantry team, although small, juggles various responsibilities throughout the day, which sometimes leaves them unable to collect donations from the grocery stores promptly.”

“We are so grateful for our partnership with Albertsons Cos. and Uber. The food donated brings joy. It brings relief. It nourishes and heals. We have been able to offer better food options to our patrons.”