It’s the beginning of fall and we find ourselves reflecting on wonderful summer memories in the sun as we transition to new schedules, earlier sunsets, and the changing colors of the leaves on the trees. It is always a busy time of year for us and feels especially so at DC Food Project as we enter Back to School season with the re-launch of our programs throughout schools in DC. September also marks Hunger Action Month. As children go back to school, we feel it is critical to ensure that they have what they need to learn, to feel confident and excited – and not wonder where their next meal will come from. If you’re reading this newsletter, we’re pretty sure you know and understand this struggle all too well.

So what are we up to this school year?

With the help from our partners at DC Central Kitchen, the Pantry Program is now in over 35 schools throughout the District, supporting over 1,600 pre-identified students – and growing! Our goal for this year is to not only expand the program – but to double it. And eventually, to triple it – until we can provide pantries in every school across the city.

Let us not forget our Share Table Program , which is back up and running in over 20 schools. What gets us excited are the number of school administrators calling us this fall and asking how they can implement this program in their respective schools. And not just in DC! Counties from Colorado to Arlington, VA have contacted us, recognizing that Share Tables help reduce food waste in schools while increasing access to healthy snacks and lunch items for all kids!

Kick off event!

Before school began we kicked off some great events with our partners at DC Soccer Club who helped organize a donation drive during their Travel Kick off Celebration - and boy was it incredible to see our community in action. Thank you to all of you - our team delivered your donations to some of our partner schools who were incredibly grateful for your support.

HUNGER ACTION MONTH PARTNERS!

We are honored to have so many wonderful partners who continue to support DC Food Project and our mission to help children who face food insecurity both at school and at home. We wanted to highlight a handful of partners with whom we are working with throughout National Hunger Action Month.

Starbucks: We’ve loved our refreshers this summer but we were even happier when we received a Starbucks Community Grant last month to help us kick off our programs this fall. Thanks to Starbucks partners (employees) and The Starbucks Foundation for recognizing how we are making our communities stronger.
NEST4US: It always amazes us when new partners come along looking to help, reaching out proactively and asking - what can we do? Shreyaa Venkat, CEO and Founder of NEST4US, did just that and through their 9/11 Day of Service Hope in a Bag Project. Their team collected donations and bagged essential items for two of our larger partner schools and delivered them! Not just a few bags – hundreds!
Soupergirl: Our friends and steadfast partners at Soupergirl are once again back in the kitchen cooking some of our favorite soups. Kicking things off earlier this month, Soupergirl donated a pint of soup back to our organization for every order over $75. Cheers to healthy soups and to you, Soupergirl, for always going above and beyond for the communities we support!
Support & Feed and PLNT Burger: How ‘bout some hot meal delivery service directly to schools?! It’s happppening! And we couldn’t be more thrilled to be announcing a monthly program whereby our partners at Support & Feed with PLNT Burger will deliver hot meals - ready to take home after the school day - to select partner schools. Our team piloted this service last spring and it was such a success, we are rolling it out throughout the school year. Stay tuned for more details!

SCHOOL SHOUT OUTS:

**We would like to welcome the following new schools to the DC Food Project Family - we’re thrilled to be working with you!**
**Hendley Elementary School**
**John Lewis Elementary School**
**LAMB Public Charter School**

UPCOMING EVENTS:

September is Hunger Awareness Month!
September 30: Co-Founder Alysa MacClellan will be speaking on a panel, Tackling DMV Food Insecurity through Work with Children, at this year’s Les Dames d'Escoffier DC Regional Chapter Bringing It to the Table: Talk. Taste. Transform. Event!
November 17: DC Food Project Pantry Pack and Deliver Volunteer Day

**WAYS YOU CAN HELP:**

**Donate:** Help us continue providing for students and seniors across Washington, D.C. by making a monetary donation HERE. If you are an organization or company interested in an in-kind donation, please reach out to us directly HERE.
**Sponsor:** You can donate to and/or sponsor a Pantry! For more information please reach out to us HERE

THANK YOU FROM OUR TEAM TO YOU:

So there you have it. Sometimes simple solutions go a long way, and we believe in ours full-heartedly.

We are beyond thankful for our community’s support – and to all of our partners who see what we were doing, realize we need help, and continue to raise their hand to say, we’re in.

If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring a school or volunteer day, please contact us here.

Here’s to a new school year!
Alysa, Katie, Krista & Lucie, DC Food Project Co-Founders

Back to School with DC Food Project