Ford Fund Invests $2.3m To Combat Hunger In Detroit

The philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Motor Company Fund (Ford Fund), has a long history of supporting local communities around the world. Recent initiatives include an autonomous vehicle food delivery pilot in Detroit, the Idea Accelerator Program aiding local entrepreneurs, funding college education, scholarships for future technicians, earthquake relief in Turkey, and the establishment of Team Rubicon for disaster relief. Now Ford has pledged $2.3 million to develop innovative mobility solutions, specifically targeting fresh food access in cities where Ford has manufacturing facilities.

In the United States, over 34 million individuals, including 9 million children, face food insecurity. In honor of Hunger Action Month this September, Ford Fund is partnering with local food banks, DoorDash, and Feeding America to provide mobile food delivery solutions for those in need. These partnerships will facilitate the delivery of essential food supplies, addressing the challenges faced by food banks in reaching those most in need. These investments bridge the gap between food access and transportation by deploying resources and technology to food banks.

Luisa Schumacher, senior manager of essential services at Ford Fund, stated, “We’re dedicated to working with local organizations to combat rising food insecurity and support more individuals in our Ford communities.”

Ford Fund will allocate $320,000 to local food banks in Detroit, Louisville, Memphis, and West Tennessee to expand meal access through home delivery. Through DoorDash’s Project DASH collaboration, food banks can use DoorDash’s logistics to increase food service accessibility.

DoorDash, a leader in mobile food delivery, will deliver food from participating food banks to nearly 2,500 households per month, with a focus on transportation-limited individuals and families.

Additionally, Ford Fund will provide $1.25 million in innovation grants to Feeding America food banks in Ford’s home-base communities. These grants will support innovative mobility solutions addressing food insecurity, particularly in areas with limited fresh food access.

Ford Fund’s commitment to community support includes its network of Ford Resource and Engagement Centers. Partnering with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, these centers distribute food to 1,500 families weekly via client pickup and home delivery, benefiting underserved and transportation-limited residents in Southwest Detroit and Detroit’s east side.

Stay tuned to our blog to read more about all of Ford’s community-based initiatives that help keep families fed and with access to transportation. Feel free to contact us with any questions about the Ford Fund or any of our great Ford models today!