Being healthy isn’t just about health care. Experts say the things that keep us the healthiest, happen outside the doctor’s offices. But not everyone has the same access to doctors, fresh foods, or outdoor spaces for physical activity.
United Way mobilizes communities to close gaps and open opportunities, so that all can thrive. That’s why United Ways and their partners are helping people access healthy living.
Ride United, an initiative that United Way Worldwide started in 2018, is part of the answer. It was created to reduce transportation barriers and help people in need across the U.S. With support from corporate partners, local United Ways and 211s, which connects people with local resources 24/7, more than 56,000 people in over 3,200 cities and towns have been served. And it has provided 333,000+ free and discounted rides to doctors, food banks, jobs interviews, and more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way and its partners expanded that to include food, to help people in need get food from food pantries and more. So far, 20.3 million estimated meals have been delivered through Ride United, with 1.5 million free deliveries of food and essentials.
This support has made a real difference, supported by 62 local United Ways and 211, with 700+ local partners, including food pantries, grocery stores, and places of worship. In addition to food, other deliveries have included diapers/infant supplies, mental health kits, weather-appropriate goods, disaster preparedness supplies, pet food, caregiving and senior supplies, period products, and more.
Larry, 73, lives at home alone in Statesville, NC. He is blind and not able to drive. Larry depends upon friends and public transportation for any transportation needs; however, being on a fixed income makes those paid trips few and far between. He relies on the food pantry to provide food for his home and these deliveries, scheduled through United Way of Iredell County, to bring his food to his home. Larry said, “I am so blessed to get my food delivered. I don’t know what I’d do without this service.”
To find out if Ride United is operating in your community – and whether you’re eligible for help – contact your United Way here.
For any kind of help, call 211 or visit 211.org to find out what support is available in your community.