Uber drivers will pick up food donations Dec. 17

Uber drivers will pick up nonperishable food donations on Thursday and drop them off at the Kansas Food bank.

Uber is a ride-sharing app available on smartphones that works as an alternative to the taxicab industry. Uber drivers use their own cars to drive app users around town.

This is the first year the food bank and Uber have teamed up for the project.

Debi Kreutzman, community relations manager for the Kansas Food Bank, said Uber contacted the food bank about the drive about two-and-a-half weeks ago.

“It’s a win-win for both of us,” she said. “And certainly for us, it helps with transportation.”

Drivers will pick up the food donations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. People can hail an Uber car to pick up donations by opening the app and clicking “FOOD DRIVE” in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Each person who donates food will receive $10 off their next Uber ride.

The drivers will pick up food from individuals as well as businesses, schools or other organizations in the community.

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 5:53 PM with the headline "Uber drivers will pick up food donations Dec. 17."