#ProjectDash Reaches Seniors

Second Harvest partnered with Door Dash through Feeding America to successfully provide a delivery program for the Senior Food Box Program, which allows Second Harvest to serve more local seniors. It is called ProjectDASH. Julie Chase-Morefield, President & CEO of Second Harvest, said “This effort is part of one of the strategic goals of Food Forward Lorain to connect people to food through technology and transportation networks. Seniors now make up more than 18% of who is served at food pantries, but we know many are still unable to access help because of a lack of transportation or mobility.”

Through ProjectDASH, Second Harvest is leveraging technology to re-imagine home delivery for homebound seniors in our region. Eligible seniors can have shelf-stable food, cheese, and produce delivered to them at home as part of this monthly program.

The Senior Food Box Program is funded through the federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which Second Harvest has been a part of since 2015. During the pandemic, National Guard soldiers delivered boxes and dedicated volunteers continued the program. Second Harvest was limited in how many they could serve each month with the help of volunteers, but is now enrolling more seniors through ProjectDASH. There are over 110 seniors enrolled in the program who receive monthly deliveries. Second Harvest is currently accepting applications for eligible low-income seniors in need of food but unable to get to food pantries, mobile distributions, or hot meal programs. Seniors are defined as someone age 60 or older with an income at or below 130% of poverty, currently $17,667 annually for a single person. Seniors can call Second Harvest, Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM at 440-960-2265 for more information and to apply for the program.