Our Thanks and Looking Ahead

As summer approaches, a quick look back — and ahead
As the weather warms and the school year winds down, we wanted to share a brief wrap-up of what’s been a busy and impactful year at DC Food Project.

DC Food Project turns 7!
Since our founding in 2018, we’ve grown in size, reach, and impact. To date, we’ve helped provide over 3.5 million meals to students, families, and seniors. We’ve implemented 40+ Share Tables and built a network of 55+ pantries across all eight wards of the District and Arlington, VA. None of this would be possible without your trust, generosity, and continued support — thank you for helping us meet the growing need for food access in our communities.

A Challenging Landscape Ahead
As we head into summer, we’re also bracing for a tough fall. Recent developments on Capitol Hill include a House-passed budget bill that proposes cutting more than $290 billion from SNAP — the largest federal nutrition program. These proposed changes would shift significant financial burdens to already overstretched state and local governments, threatening the food security of millions – especially children and older adults.

In the words of Food Research Action Center’s (FRAC) new president, Crystal FitzSimons, “Slashing billions from SNAP would deepen hunger, increase poverty, and weaken communities.” Locally in D.C., we are already seeing how local demand is rising.  At DC Food Project, we are preparing for what could be a challenging back-to-school season, and we remain committed to filling the gaps wherever we can.

Final school-year distribution: June 6
Our final school-year food distribution took place on Friday, June 6. As schools close for summer break, thousands of students who rely on school meals for daily nutrition will face a difficult gap in access. While citywide summer meal sites will open soon, our June distribution aims to help bridge the gap — offering support during the critical transition from school-year stability to summer uncertainty. Thank you to all the volunteers throughout this past school year for your steadfast dedication and enthusiasm.

UPDATE ON OUR PROGRAMS
Too many students face food insecurity both at school and at home. Through our close partnerships with schools, DC Food Project implements Share Table and Pantry programs that provide direct access to food and toiletries — delivered in a way that is dignified, discreet, and easy for students to access.

Currently, we support 80+ schools across DC Public Schools, DC Public Charter Schools, and Arlington Public Schools. Each month, we distribute more than 15,000 pounds of food to students, helping to reduce hunger and improve attendance, focus and wellbeing during the school day.

We are also receiving more requests than ever. Over 25 schools are currently on our waitlist, hoping to launch Share Tables or Pantry programs this fall. But the outlook is uncertain. With potential federal budget cuts on the horizon and safety net programs under threat, the pressure on school-based food supports like ours is only growing. As national advocates like FRAC have warned, these proposed budget changes could dramatically increase food insecurity for children, especially in urban areas like ours.

Despite this uncertain landscape, we are working to expand thoughtfully — and urgently — to meet the growing demand in our schools and communities. Your support will be critical as we face what could be the most challenging year yet for childhood food access in the District.

OUR ASK:

As you ponder your summer plans, please consider supporting our programs.  

Here are ways you can help::

  • $100 supports one students access our Pantry throughout the school year

  • $250 covers one month of snacks in a Pantry supporting 25 pre-identified students

  • $500 covers one month of snacks in a Pantry supporting 50 pre-identified students

  • $1000 covers one month of snacks in a Pantry supporting 100 pre-identified students

  • $2,000 supports one month of snacks in all Ward 8 Schools

THANK YOU FROM OUR TEAM TO YOU:

We encourage everyone to check out our wonderful partner organizations and food distribution sites that provide an invaluable bridge during the summer months.  Our team has compiled a Summer Meals Site for those seeking additional help this summer, you can check it out HERE.


Thank you as always for all of your support! And as always, you can reach us at dcfoodproject@gmail.com


Happy Summer!
Alysa, Katie, Krista & Lucie

Alysa MacClellan