Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and DoorDash Celebrate $3 Million State Investment to Expand Food Delivery Access Across California

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and DoorDash yesterday were joined by Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas, Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens (AD 26), Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (AD 56), and local community representatives to celebrate a $3 million state budget allocation to expand food delivery access and address food insecurity across California.

Thanks to strong support from DoorDash, the California Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom approved the funding last month to support food delivery operations and direct food purchasing across five regional food banks: the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, Food Bank of Santa Barbara County, and Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin.

The investment follows advocacy by the California Food Bank Delivery Alliance, a coalition of five food banks that DoorDash helped organize in response to food banks' reports of barriers preventing community members from accessing nutritious food. The funding will help participating food banks reach people facing transportation, mobility, and other challenges that can put food assistance out of reach.

"For families and individuals with limited or no transportation, getting to a grocery store or food distribution can be a significant barrier to accessing nutritious food," said Liz Cervantes, Senior Director of Product Acquisitions and Agency Relations at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. "This funding will help us reach more neighbors facing these challenges. We're grateful for the support and partnerships that are strengthening food access across Los Angeles County and throughout California."

The gathering at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank's City of Industry facility highlighted how state investment, food bank expertise, and private-sector technology and logistics can work together to expand access to food assistance.

"Food assistance can only make a difference if people can access it," said Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens. "This investment will help food banks bring nutritious food directly to Californians facing transportation and mobility barriers. I'm proud to support this partnership and the food banks working every day to meet the needs of our communities."

"Here in the City of Industry, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank plays a vital role in fighting hunger across Los Angeles County," said Assemblymember Calderon. "This investment will help bring nutritious food directly to local families and seniors who face transportation and mobility barriers, ensuring more people can access the support they need."

DoorDash has completed more than two million meal deliveries through Project DASH in California, helping food banks and community organizations deliver food directly to people facing transportation, mobility, and other access barriers. The initiative shows how partnerships among food banks, public agencies, and private-sector logistics providers can extend the reach of existing food assistance programs.

"For seniors, people with disabilities, and working parents, getting to a food bank isn't always easy. But access to food shouldn't depend on access to transportation," said Victor Ruiz-Cornejo, Head of California Public Policy at DoorDash. "California's investment will help bring food directly to those who need it most. Building on the success of Project DASH, it's a powerful example of what government, nonprofits, and businesses can accomplish together."

The $3 million allocation will support food delivery and food purchasing efforts across the five participating regional food banks, helping strengthen their ability to serve communities throughout California.