Introducing Multi-Stop Rescues: A Volunteer’s Guide to the 412 Food Rescue App

By September 17, 2024September 18th, 2024FAQs

Volunteers may notice a new type of rescue available on the app. You now have the ability to claim rescues involving multiple pickups and dropoffs - maximizing your impact and helping more of your neighbors in need!

There are 3 new types of rescues – but don’t fret! We’re here to walk you through them:

1. Multiple food donors

Pick up food from multiple locations and deliver it to a single drop-off point.

All of the food from both food donor locations will be dropped off at a single nonprofit recipient site!

2. Multiple recipients

Pick up food from one location and deliver it to multiple drop-off points.

The food picked up from a single location (such as a grocery store or restaurant) will be delivered to multiple drop-off points, such as several food banks, shelters, or community centers.

The app will specifically outline how much of each type of food to drop off at each recipient location!

3. Multiple donors & multiple recipients

Pick up food from multiple locations and deliver it to multiple drop-off points.

The food picked up from a multiple locations (like grocery stores or restaurants) will be delivered to multiple drop-off points, such as several food banks, shelters, or community centers.

The app will specifically outline how much of each type of food to drop off at each recipient location!

Here’s how multi-stop rescues work:

Notification & rescue details:

When multi-stop rescues are posted on the 412 Food Rescue app, the description includes key details such as the pickup location(s), drop-off point(s), pickup window, total distance, and any special instructions. You can see all relevant information upfront to make an informed decision on whether to accept the rescue.

Clear & comprehensive route information:

The app provides a comprehensive route map that shows the entire sequence of stops. Our route optimization suggests the most efficient order for the stops, helping you save time and fuel.

Step-by-step guidance:

By linking with your preferred mapping app, you’ll get step-by-step navigation with turn-by-turn directions for the entire rescue route. You can easily follow the path from the initial pickup point to each subsequent location, reducing any confusion and ensuring timely deliveries.

Real-time updates & communication:

Need help? No problem. The app lets you quickly notify dispatchers if there are any issues, such as delays or problems with accessing pickup or dropoff locations. Dispatchers can provide immediate support or adjust your route if needed.

Streamlined pickup & dropoff process:

When it’s time to head to the pickup location, just tap Start. You are then guided to collect the food, verify the donation details, and safely load it into your vehicle. At each subsequent stop, the app provides specific instructions on where to pick up / deliver the food and any necessary protocols. You will check in at each location to confirm pickup and delivery, ensuring all steps are accurately tracked.

Impact tracking & feedback:

After completing the rescue, you can view the impact of your efforts, such as the total weight of food rescued and the number of people served. You can also share feedback on the experience, helping us improve the volunteer experience.

Multi-stop rescues maximize the volume of food rescued in a single trip, reducing  the carbon footprint associated with food transport while increasing the overall capacity of 412 Food Rescue to handle more donations with fewer resources. 

We couldn’t do it without you!

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