Instacart Launches Classroom Carts Initiative to Support Schools Affected by Wildfires

The Instacart App allows anyone in the U.S. to donate essentials directly to impacted schools, students, and teachers.

The new initiative supports 28 Los Angeles County public and charter schools across Altadena, the Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena, and nearly 15,000 students across the region.

Instacart Board of Directors kicks off giving campaign with $1 million charitable donation.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Instacart (NASDAQ: CART), the leading grocery technology company in North America, today launched its 'Classroom Carts' initiative, which supports 28 Los Angeles County public and charter elementary, middle, and high schools and nearly 15,000 students impacted by the recent wildfires. Built on Instacart's Community Carts tool, Classroom Carts empowers people nationwide to support students and teachers by donating essential supplies directly to impacted schools through the Instacart App as the Los Angeles community works to rebuild in the wake of one of the most significant natural disasters in California history.

Instacart partnered with the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, the Los Angeles County Office of Education, the Pasadena Unified School District, and the Los Angeles Unified School District to identify schools in need. Instacart's Board of Directors is kicking off the Classroom Carts initiative by donating a total of $1 million to the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation, the Pasadena Education Foundation, and the LAUSD Foundation to supplement the Instacart community's contributions to the 28 participating schools. Company advisors and outside firms like Cooley and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz have also joined in to contribute additional funds to the foundations.

"The recent wildfires have had a devastating impact on the Los Angeles community, with schools being some of the hardest-hit institutions. Teachers and administrators are working around the clock to restore a sense of normalcy, but they can't do it alone," said Fidji Simo, CEO and Board Chair of Instacart and a Los Angeles resident.

"With Classroom Carts, we're giving people across the country a simple and meaningful way to step in and directly contribute the items schools have said they need. Through this initiative, we can help ensure that students and teachers across LA have access to essential supplies, allowing them to reconnect and engage in the classroom."

Tony Thurmond, the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, said, "Our school communities in Southern California need our unwavering support as they face the impact of these devastating wildfires. Time and again, our education community has shown remarkable resilience and generosity in the face of crisis. I'm grateful for generous partners like Instacart as we stand together to support our students, families, and educators as they recover and rebuild."

The wildfires caused extensive damage, destroying classrooms, libraries, and other vital school resources, meaning many schools now face critical shortages of essential supplies like notebooks, pencils, rulers, art supplies, and more. Classroom Carts allows anyone across the country to offer support by opening the Instacart App and selecting the Classroom Carts banner or visiting www.instacart.com/donate. Customers can then select from the 28 participating schools and shop for as many items as they choose from a curated list of items based on each school's specific needs. Instacart partners with a variety of retailers in the Los Angeles area that carry school and office supplies, home goods, technology, and more. A local shopper will shop and deliver donated items, and Instacart will consolidate donated items for delivery to each school. The company is waiving all delivery and service fees on every Classroom Carts order.

The Classroom Carts initiative builds on Instacart's commitment to using its technology to support communities. The company's initial LA Fire Relief Community Carts campaign has provided more than 50,000 essential items to 17 local YMCAs and community food banks across the region.

Supporting Quotes from County School Leaders

"The wildfires have deeply impacted our schools, disrupting the lives of thousands of students and educators. Classroom Carts will help provide critical support by helping schools restock the supplies they need to sustain teaching and learning," said Dr. Debra Duardo, Superintendent of Schools at the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

"The resilience of our students, educators, and families in the wake of the Eaton Fire is a testament to the power of 'us' in PUSD. Instacart's commitment to our schools demonstrates the power of collaboration, and we are grateful for their role in helping us move forward together," said Elizabeth Blanco, Ed.D., Superintendent of Pasadena Unified School District.

Supporting Quotes from Foundations

"In times of crisis, our schools are more than just places to learn – they're vital sources of stability, connection, and support for students, educators, and families. The devastation caused by these wildfires has upended so many lives," said Kerry Franco, President of the Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation.

"Schools are at the heart of our communities, providing students not just with an education, but with stability, support, and a sense of belonging," said Sara Mooney, Interim Executive Director of the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation.

Supporting Quotes from School Principals

"Instacart's Classroom Carts initiative is providing an immediate way to help," said Dr. Pam Magee, Principal of Palisades Charter High School.

"Through its Classroom Carts initiative, Instacart is using technology to provide immediate and tangible support to our recovery efforts," said Ian McFeat, Principal of Aveson School of Leaders.

"By crowdsourcing essential supplies through its platform, Instacart is helping us take meaningful steps toward recovery," said Bonnie Brimecombe, Principal of Odyssey South Charter School.

About Instacart

Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, works with grocers and retailers to transform how people shop. The company partners with more than 1,500 national, regional, and local retail banners to facilitate online shopping, delivery, and pickup services. For more information, visit www.instacart.com/company, and to start shopping, visit www.instacart.com. Maplebear Inc. is the registered corporate name of Instacart.

SOURCE: Maplebear Inc. dba Instacart