FreshDirect Helps Food Pantry

Online grocer FreshDirect has teamed with The Yorkville Common Pantry (YCP) to launch a Web-based program allowing people to donate FreshDirect gift cards directly to the food bank.

The program marks the first time the Long Island City, N.Y.-based e-retailer has offered a gift card on its website for direct donations to a local charitable organization, and it also allows YCP, New York City’s largest community-based food pantry, to reach a new segment of donors at a time when the demand for food assistance is increasing: those whose busy lifestyles may prevent them from giving in person.

“We know that members of our community, our neighbors, continue a desperate struggle to put food on their tables, but we also know there is a deep desire among others to help,” said Stephen Grimaldi, YCP executive director. “This program will give many more people the opportunity and the flexibility to make a donation without having to worry about picking up items at the store and scheduling a delivery to our doors.”

The YCP-FreshDirect gift card is available to users both in and out of the FreshDirect service delivery areas in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. As well as providing donors with flexibility, it also gives YCP the ability to buy food items and schedule deliveries based on pantry members’ needs.

Consumers can take part in the program by entering their ZIP codes at the FreshDirect website.