It’s Back to School and we’ve got a $75,000 Donation Challenge for you!

As we transition from the warmth of summer to the crisp days of fall, we welcome a new school year filled with opportunities to make a difference. September marks the beginning of an exciting season for DC Food Project, as we re-launch our vital programs in schools across Washington, D.C. and Virginia. With the start of the school year and Hunger Action Month upon us, we are more committed than ever to ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food.  Moreover, we write this as a new report confirms the number of households in the DMV going hungry is up five percentage points year-over-year, a dramatic uptick and one that we are hearing about from all of our school partners.  Our work is far from over and we need your help.  

Let’s take a look at what’s in store for this school year and how you can get involved today.

“DC Food Project is the ultimate community-based solution here in DC. Since the very worst of the pandemic, DC Central Kitchen has partnered with this incredible parent-led organization to meet the evolving needs of children and families during a sustained hunger crisis in our nation’s capital. DC Food Project is empowering schools to fight food insecurity and food waste and we are proud to count them as a core, strategic partner in our ongoing efforts. Collaborating with their innovative School Pantry and Share Table programs allows us to extend our hunger-fighting reach beyond the cafeterias, afterschool programs, and youth summer programs we serve, comprehensively meeting children’s needs throughout the day and the year. Supporting DC Food Project makes a direct, immediate impact on kids’ abilities to eat, learn, and thrive.” - Alexander Moore, Chief Development Officer – DC Central Kitchen

DC CENTRAL KITCHEN $75,000 MATCHING CHALLENGE IS ON!

Our team continues to hear from schools in desperate need for our Pantry Program.  With federal government programs from the pandemic — such as increased food stamp eligibility, rent and utility assistance — having mostly disappeared, our school partners are the first to see families struggling with rising costs, including at the grocery store. 

Thanks to the support of a private donor, DC Central Kitchen has committed to matching up to $75,000 in direct donations to DC Food Project this year. This challenge grant will help us bring our pantries to 12 new schools and reach over 3,000 pre-identified students throughout 50+ schools. 

$75,000 = 3 months of our Pantry Program in ALL schools! 

We continue to be incredibly grateful to our community of supporters who help us provide students and families with the resources they need to thrive. All year-end gifts to our essential programs will be doubled. Please give today!

UPDATE ON OUR PROGRAMS

Pantry Program: Onboarded 10+ schools this summer totaling to over 50 schools throughout DC and Arlington. The Pantry provides on average 10 lbs of food per student per month averaging to 150,000+ meals per school year.

Share Table Program: Have relaunched in 30+ schools this fall and 4 new schools to kick off the year.  Our team’s partnership with Arlington County continues and is expanding to 8 more new schools this school year!  Arlington County, we look forward to continuing this important initiative with you!

Why DC Food Project Programs Matter

“Connected Schools are schools that partner with the community to provide an integrated approach to academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement. DC Food Project and Connected Schools have partnered since 2021 to identify and fill gaps in food and nutrition access. In SY24-25 DC Food Project will be supporting thirteen Connected Schools sites through the pantry program, which will serve over 500 families in our community. The pantry program is an essential piece of the puzzle as we aim to meet the needs of our students in and out of the classroom and ensuring they have what they need to thrive.” - Abbey Hable, Specialist —DCPS Connected Schools

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

DC Food Project is always excited to welcome volunteers to come out and help distribute food, toiletries and much-needed supplies to our school Pantries around the city.  Join our over 200 volunteers, organizations and partners who come out during the school year to support our work and help deliver thousands of pounds of food throughout our school communities.

If you are a group organizer hoping to bring your organization or company for a Day of Service Event, or host a donation event on our behalf, please contact our team, dcfoodproject@gmail.com, about scheduling.  If you are an individual simply wanting to help, let us know and we’ll send you our volunteer sign-up form!

THANK YOU FROM OUR TEAM TO YOU!

Together, we’re making a tangible difference in the lives of students and families across the city. We look forward to keeping you updated on our journey, and as always, we welcome your involvement in any of the ways listed above. Let’s make this year our best one yet!

As always, you can reach us at dcfoodproject@gmail.com

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