Rapid Grocery Delivery Reaches Communities Long Left Behind by the Tech Revolution
There have been numerous news reports critical of delivery services that are now operating across the five boroughs. The news articles have focused on so-called dark stores that don’t acclimate to the community, and we understand the complaint. We don’t want dark stores either, but we do feel there are numerous community benefits from delivery services that are willing to work with neighborhood leaders to become a part of the community.
It goes without saying that these stores must pass zoning requirements and must be good citizens. But going forward, we urge you to work with these businesses to ensure that the residents in the communities we serve – who for decades have been left behind by advances in technology – can continue to benefit from the home delivery companies.
First, these delivery services provide high-quality, cost-efficient necessities to many food deserts in low-income and underserved communities. Families that were once forced to walk long distances to shop for essentials at stores that were sub-par can now access on reliable deliveries that bring quality products right to their homes at competitive prices. Additionally, families who work long days, many who work unusual hours, will have the ability to take advantage of a service that, frankly, makes life easier.
Second, these delivery services have the potential to offer quality, full time jobs to the local community. We have seen this before, companies who hire local residents are more attuned to the local community and are more likely to care about the area where they are located.
Third, it is our feeling that an empty store, an empty block is a dangerous block. Many of these delivery services have services 24/7. If done properly, they can be bright safe havens for pedestrians who are walking at all hours of the day and night.
Fourth, we know there are some companies that fail to comply with bike and pedestrian safety regulations and push their drivers to meet unrealistic delivery times. The safety of our communities comes first and foremost, and we support any effort to crack down on bad actors.
We share the concern for dark stores and ensuring that any business that operates in the city serves and is attuned to the needs of with the communities they are located in. However, this technology innovation has a direct benefit to minority and low-income communities that have been traditionally left behind. As we have seen, when done properly, the companies that handle delivery services can be beneficial for our communities, expand access to fresh and healthy food, and a lifeline for long excluded and underserved neighborhoods across the city.
-Rev Andre Faison Bronx Christian Charismatic Prayer Fellowship
-Rev Phil Craig, Sr Pastor Springfield Community Church
-Rev Kevin McCall Founder Crisis Action Center
-Rev Dr Johnnie Green, Sr. Pastor Mt Nebo Baptist Church & Pres of MPAC
-Rev Patrick Young, First Baptist Church of Corona and VP of MPAC
