Houston Food Bank Teams Up with Amazon to Deliver Shelf-Stable Groceries Directly to the Doorsteps of Senior Citizens

With the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, never have so many residents in the Houston area needed food assistance than right now—especially vulnerable seniors in the community. The Houston Food Bank announced today it has teamed up with Amazon to donate delivery services of shelf-stable groceries to senior residents disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Amazon will leverage its transportation network of Amazon Flex drivers to make contactless, doorstep deliveries. In the first two days of pilot deliveries in Houston, Amazon has already delivered more than 3,000 pounds of food serving more than 2,000 meals to vulnerable senior citizens. Amazon’s collaboration with Houston Food Bank is part of its commitment to deliver more than 6 million meals across the United States to underserved and vulnerable populations.

“For so many of our senior citizens, the pandemic is especially troubling as they have health concerns, limited mobility and need assistance for such regular tasks as grocery shopping,” said Brian Greene, president and CEO of Houston Food Bank. “Because this population needs help, we wanted to add direct food deliveries for them and we are so thankful to Amazon for stepping up to make this happen for our beloved senior citizens.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in new challenges creating an increased demand for food assistance from existing Houston Food Bank clients to those who have never sought food assistance before. In addition to the donation of delivery services to senior residents, Amazon has provided a $50,000 COVID-19 response grant to help support operational needs and food supplies.

“Communities around the world are facing the COVID-19 pandemic together and in Houston we’re proud to be doing our part to support our local community,” said Bri Tye, General Manager at Amazon’s Fulfillment Centre in Katy, Texas. “The donation of $50,000 to the Houston Food Bank and Amazon’s Flex deliveries will go directly to helping feed seniors and families who need it most.”

To learn more about how Amazon is supporting communities and nonprofit partners around the world, see here.

For more information on Houston Food Bank, its COVID-19 resources and to request assistance, please call the hotline at: 832-369-9390 or visit: houstonfoodbank.org/covid19/