Amazon has delivered over 50 million meals to more than 200,000 families in the United States and United Kingdom since launching its home delivery program in 2020. The initiative is part of the company’s efforts to address food insecurity, which affects an estimated 47 million people in the U.S. each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
For many families, barriers such as transportation limitations, health issues, or long distances from distribution points can make it difficult to access food assistance programs. Amazon’s logistics network—which includes Delivery Service Partners, Amazon Flex drivers, and rural delivery infrastructure—has been used to deliver groceries directly from food banks to families at no cost.
“When families can’t get to a food bank because of conflicting work hours, health challenges, or transportation limitations, they often have to skip meals,” said Bettina Stix, head of food security at Amazon. “By combining Amazon’s logistics network with the care and expertise of our community partners, we’re helping food banks reach families who might otherwise go hungry.”
Research indicates that home delivery saves participating families about $100 per month in time and travel costs.
Erika Thiem, chief supply chain officer at Feeding America, said: “Feeding America is committed to providing solutions to end hunger, and food delivery programs play a vital—and growing—role in reducing food insecurity. Through free home delivery, Amazon helps expand access to critical food assistance by meeting participants where they are and supporting greater choice, convenience and peace of mind.”
In addition to direct-to-home deliveries for individuals and families facing hunger, Amazon also supports bulk transportation for food banks. Amanda Adcock-Worthy, head of Amazon Local Good stated: “Transportation can be expensive, and we help by putting our logistics network to work—using vans, trucks, and routes to help organizations get what they need quickly and reliably.” She added that Amazon transports tens of thousands of pounds of food weekly for community partners worldwide at no charge.
The company moves groceries from suppliers to food banks and then from those banks on to pantries, schools, and other local distribution points using its fleet of vehicles. This system aims to keep shelves stocked so more people can be reached with needed supplies.
Drivers like Paul Williams participate in these donation routes as part of their regular workday. “I enjoy being a part of the donation process running food to where it needs to go,” Williams said. “I was new in town, and it was a great way to feel like I was part of something bigger than myself, trying to give back as I can. The food always went to a good place. I’m thankful to meet such dedicated people.”
In Washington state’s Puget Sound region specifically, Amazon collaborates with Harvest Against Hunger by transporting large quantities of fresh produce from farms directly into nonprofit organizations each week—a move that reduces waste while ensuring communities receive quality fruits and vegetables.
To further support rural areas where access may be even more limited due to distance or infrastructure challenges, Amazon has begun piloting new programs tailored for these communities. This summer saw meals delivered directly into rural homes while school was out session so children would not miss out on nutritious options when classes were not in session.
