Lyft announced Monday its partnership with a non-profit organization for the launch of their Grocery Access Program aimed at making it easier for families in Washington D.C. access fresh groceries.
The company partnered with Martha’s Table—an organization working to increase access to quality education programs and healthy food—to provide families living in Wards 7 and 8 heavily discounted Lyft rides to local grocery stores.
Wards 7 and 8 in D.C. are defined as food deserts, according to the D.C. Policy Center. The median household income in Ward 7 is just over the federal poverty line at $45,469, and median household income for Ward 8 falls below it at $32,967.
“Through the program, Martha’s Table and Lyft aim to reduce the time, transportation barriers, and financial burden as hundreds of families plan their shopping trips to select grocery providers, and further Lyft’s mission of improving people’s lives with the world’s best transportation,” the company said in a blog post.
The ride-hailing company will identify 500 families to participate in the pilot program from January 2019 to June 2019. For $2.50, qualified families will receive a flat fare ride for traveling to or from four select grocery stores in the area. Families with children attending one of seven elementary schools are eligible for the program.
Lyft is gearing up to launch its initial public offering early next year.
