Program provides up to $50 in Lyft ride credits for eligible seniors on Chicago’s South and West Sides.
Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson launched a new partnership with Lyft, United Way of Metro Chicago, and 211 Metro Chicago to provide transportation assistance for eligible seniors following the recent closure of Yellow Banana grocery stores on the South and West Sides.
“Recent grocery store closures have created real challenges for many of our seniors, and while this program is not a long-term solution, it will provide immediate relief by helping eligible older adults get to the grocery store and other essential destinations,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I’m grateful to Lyft, United Way of Metro Chicago, and 211 Metro Chicago for stepping up to support our residents as we continue working to expand food access across our communities.”
Eligible seniors can receive up to two $25 Lyft ride credits, for a total value of $50, to help travel to grocery stores and other essential destinations. The initiative provides immediate relief for older adults impacted by recent grocery store closures while the Johnson administration continues working on long-term solutions to strengthen food access in affected communities.
“Our mission at Lyft is to serve and connect our communities, and that means showing up when a neighborhood suddenly loses access to something as essential as a grocery store,” said Lyft Public Policy Manager Arielle Maffei. “When the City of Chicago reached out, we moved quickly to get rides into the hands of the seniors who needed them most, partnering with United Way of Metro Chicago and 211 Metro Chicago to make it as simple as possible. We’re grateful for the chance to support the communities where we live and work, and to be part of a response that brought the public, private, and nonprofit sectors together so fast.”
“United Way of Metro Chicago is grateful to partner with the City of Chicago and Lyft to help senior residents overcome transportation barriers and access the food they need,” said United Way of Metro Chicago Chief Programs Officer Jackie Rosa. “By connecting residents to rides and other critical supports through 211 Metro Chicago, this partnership helps ensure that grocery store closures and food access challenges do not prevent people from meeting their basic needs. Collaborations like this demonstrate the power of working together to strengthen our communities and improve quality of life for all Chicagoans.”
The program will distribute 1,000 Lyft ride codes valued at $25 each through Sept. 30, or until the full $25,000 award from Lyft is spent. Eligible seniors may receive up to two codes for a total value of $50.
To qualify, residents must:
- Be age 60 or older;
- Live in one of the following ZIP codes: 60617, 60619, 60620, 60621, 60624, 60628, 60629, 60643, or 60649;
- Download and use the Lyft app to redeem the ride credit.
Eligible seniors can call 2-1-1 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to request transportation assistance and complete a brief eligibility screening. A 2-1-1 Resource Navigator can assist seniors with downloading the Lyft app, redeeming their ride code, and booking a ride. Caregivers may assist seniors with using the Lyft app and may accompany them on rides.
Residents seeking transportation assistance or other food resources can:
- Call 2-1-1;
- Text their ZIP code to 898-211;
- Visit 211MetroChicago.org.
The initiative builds upon the Johnson administration’s broader response to recent grocery store closures and ongoing efforts to ensure residents have access to healthy food, essential services, and the resources they need to thrive.
Operated by United Way of Metro Chicago, in partnership with the City of Chicago and Cook County, 211 Metro Chicago is a free 24/7/365 health and social services helpline connecting Cook County residents to critical resources such as access to food, stable housing, health care, utility payment assistance, and more
