On the Go, Lyft Partner to Support San Diego’s Senior Community
Lyft providing meal deliveries and transportation access for community in need
SAN DIEGO, June 23, 2020
On the Go, a program dedicated to providing transportation solutions to adults 60 years and older in the San Diego community, today announced its partnership with Lyft, a transportation network company, to provide meal deliveries and transportation access for San Diego’s senior community.
Through Lyft’s new Essential Deliveries pilot, local organizations and nonprofits — like On the Go — can request a Lyft driver to deliver essential items. The program also gives San Diego drivers an additional earning opportunity while helping to meet the needs of the local community.
Using the On the Go platform, nearly 500 meals, prepared by Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS)’s Senior Nutrition Program, have been delivered to vulnerable older adults in partnership with Lyft.
One client recently turned to JFS with an immediate need for food assistance. She called the organization one morning desperate for food, and because of On the Go and Lyft, she was able to get a nutritious meal delivered to her home the very same evening.
“The food is wonderful, it’s been a blessing. I used to get meals at the senior center, but since all the centers are closed, I didn’t have food. My income is so reduced now. I’m behind on my utilities. Your help has been a blessing.”
“How often does it come down to the last mile? Too often,” said Howard Pearl, CEO of Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS), operator of On the Go. “When our most vulnerable community members need a ride to an essential service and have nowhere else to turn, Lyft saves the day again, and again, and again. Now, they make the difference between going to bed hungry and getting a life-changing meal. Is it rideshare or is it meal share?”
This is Lyft’s second iteration of a partnership with On the Go. Beginning in 2016, the transportation network company began working with On the Go to help the organization expand its reach and provide more rides to seniors. On the Go had previously provided transportation for older adults primarily using volunteer drivers. However, in the past few years, the organization saw an opportunity to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and provide more responsive client service by partnering with Lyft.
“We are proud to partner with On the Go to continue to provide access to transportation for the senior community, said Veronica Juarez, Vice President of Social Enterprise at Lyft. “On the Go is committed to meeting the needs of their clients and community with integrity and we are happy to be partners in their efforts to serve their community in this critical and important time. We look forward to extending our partnership for the delivery of critical services in San Diego, and beyond.”
Lyft’s Essential Deliveries first launched in mid-April in 11 select markets, including San Diego working with On the Go.
In response to COVID-19, Lyft has activated more than 500 community partnerships across the country through its LyftUp initiative to offer free rides to vulnerable communities, first responders, healthcare workers and others.
For more information about Lyft, please visit www.lyft.com.