Ford is launching a complimentary fresh food delivery pilot in Southwest Detroit that uses self-driving shuttles to bring an estimated 10,000 pounds of provisions to the doorsteps of senior citizens who lack access to groceries due to mobility challenges, according to a press release on Tuesday (Dec. 14).
The six-month pilot is being trialed in the Michigan Central impact area where Ford is concentrating its efforts on mobility innovation and community. It’s among the first projects devoted to bringing the Michigan Central district to life.
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The Ford Resource and Engagement Center (FREC) on the Go was rolled out earlier this year by the Ford Motor Company Fund and Gleaners Community Food Bank, and will serve the residents of Rio Vista Detroit Co-op Apartments senior living center.
“We’re constantly thinking about how to expand our reach in communities for those who don’t have access to the most basic goods, like groceries or warm meals,” said Joe Provenzano, mobility director, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Bringing Ford’s mobility expertise together with local collaborations allows us to create innovative solutions that make communities stronger and people’s lives better.”
So far, Ford Fund and Gleaners have distributed 2.4 million pounds of food through the delivery program.
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Instead of only receiving dry and canned goods with a mix of fresh produce, milk and cheese, Rio Vista residents will receive another monthly delivery with just fresh produce and milk. The additional items were added from residents’ feedback and will be reevaluated throughout the pilot.
“CSI and Rio Vista Detroit Co-op are incredibly excited for this collaboration with Ford Motor Company,” said Eric Finkler, co-op liaison, Rio Vista Detroit. “For many seniors in this community, access to transportation is integral for retaining their independence, and the automated vehicle delivery program will help expand our members’ access to groceries, easing one barrier to independent living.”
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The pilot will use a self-driving shuttle operated by the Ford future tech autonomous vehicle team and Quantum Signal AI, a wholly owned Ford subsidiary. It will run along a fixed route between the Southwest Detroit Ford Resource and Engagement Center, where groceries will be loaded and taken to Rio Vista, and then unloaded and distributed to participating residents.
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