Food and grocery delivery drivers are not in the same class as health care providers and first responders, but we are the second responders who people are counting on but who get little respect or reward.
The risks we are taking, no matter how hard we try to stay safe, are real. We can drop off food at your door, ring the bell and leave, but we still need to handle the bags and drinks, many times a day.
While some people seem to understand our plight, many still do not understand the role that tipping plays. Just like waitresses, our income is dependent on tips. When you don’t tip, you are saying you don’t feel that what we do is worth anything.
There are programs encouraging people to support local restaurants so they stay in business, but I also urge people who order delivery to remember the other responders who are there so you can stay home and safe.