Photo caption: Uber driver-partner Enrico Stepcic with Reservoir Neighbourhood House CEO Angie Davidson and Bridge Darebin CEO Chris Lombardo.

Uber Australia is partnering with Feed Appeal to make 50,000 free deliveries of food hampers and meals to support vulnerable households across Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deliveries of food hampers began in Victoria over the past week with Feed Appeal’s partner charity, Reservoir Neighbourhood House (RNH), and will expand nationally from next week. 

This COVID-19 response builds on the ongoing partnership between Uber Eats and Feed Appeal which has seen 400,000+ meals delivered over the past four years, and forms part of Uber’s global commitment to offer 10 million free rides and deliveries to help #MoveWhatMatters. 

General Manager of Uber Australia and New Zealand, Dom Taylor, said the delivery of 50,000 food hampers could help families prepare more than four million meals. 

“The work of Feed Appeal and their partner charities has always been crucial in providing meals for struggling Australians. But in April alone, there has been a 50-70% increase in food relief requests, with many Aussies reaching out to ask for help for the first time in their lives,” he said. 

“On top of that, many volunteers that traditionally help food hampers get to those who need them have been asked to self-isolate.

“We’re proud to be able to offer our support to help get 50,000 deliveries to those who need them thanks to the driver-partners who are helping essential workers, and now essential goods, get around via Uber’s platform.” 

CEO of Feed Appeal, Katherine Gokavi-Whaley, said that Uber’s extensive network of driver-partners across Australia will help them feed more people during COVID-19. 

“The majority of food relief organisations are resourced by volunteers, and many have had to pivot or close their doors due to social distancing measures. We have seen an increase in people reaching out for help, but due to current circumstances, it’s been hard to transfer the meals and hampers to them,” she said.  

“Since the expansion of our partnership, Uber driver-partners have already made 150 deliveries to Feed Appeal’s Victorian-based partner RNH during our one week trial, with more to come in other states. Each hamper delivered provides around 84 meals for a family of four.”

If you are looking for help, or know someone in your community who is, please reach out to one of Feed Appeal’s partner charities in your state.