Photo by Caroline Angelo.
By DCist contributor Jordan Anthony-Brown
It’s that time of year. The temperature has dipped (for good this time, it seems), and any last hopes for mild weather are behind us—winter is just around the corner. The good news, however, is that this also means that the holiday season is nearly here. Thanksgiving in particular is one of the most beloved holidays of all, as it typically means a break from work, exorbitant amounts of food, a healthy dose of adult beverages, and a full day’s worth of football. (And leftovers; there will always be plenty of leftovers.) But while this is the norm for many people, it’s a far cry for plenty of others. Sadly, many people in Washington, D.C. are homeless, while many others struggle to meet their basic daily needs. So while you’re researching recipes and preparing to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family, be sure to keep in mind those that are less fortunate. There are plenty of opportunities to donate, volunteer, and participate in charitable events in the coming weeks, so check out some ways to give back below. And if you’ve got another way to give back during the holidays, be sure to let us know in the comments.
ARLINGTON FOOD ASSISTANCE CENTER: Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) (2708 S. Nelson Street) is a community-based non-profit organization that works to provide supplemental groceries to those most in need in Arlington County. In service for over 25 years, AFAC remains dedicated to its mission of obtaining and distributing groceries directly to those in Arlington that are unable to afford to purchase enough food to meet their basic needs. Check out AFAC’s current volunteer opportunities, which includes its Turkey Week Distribution helping to unload turkeys and other Thanksgiving food items and storing them at the AFAC warehouse. Additionally, along with Doorways for Women and Families and Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless, AFAC is also one of the beneficiaries of the Arlington Turkey Trot, which generates thousands of dollars in annual donations.
CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK: The mission of Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) (4900 Puerto Rico Avenue NE) is simple: to feed those in the Washington metro area that suffer from hunger or food insecurity by acquiring food and distributing it through its network of partner agencies. CAFB also focuses on educating and empowering the community about issues and concerns related to hunger and nutrition. CAFB distributes over 42 million pounds of food annually (equivalent to 35 million meals), nearly half of which consists of fresh fruits and vegetables. While CAFB accepts volunteers and donations year-round, there’s always extra help needed around Thanksgiving for CAFB’s “Turkey @ Every Table” initiative. The holiday program focuses on providing senior citizens with a turkey and other Thanksgiving complements through in its Brown Bag Program, which provides income-qualified seniors with supplemental food and nutrition education on a monthly basis.
CENTRAL UNION MISSION: Central Union Mission (65 Massachusetts Avenue NW) is a faith-based nonprofit organization with seven locations throughout the Washington D.C. area. In addition to other services, the organization operates an emergency shelter, a food, clothing and furniture distribution center, programs for isolated seniors, and job training. During the Thanksgiving season, Central Union Mission helps to provide safe shelter, warm meals, and other services for the people they serve, and is open to donations for Thanksgiving food and care. For donation of less than $3, you can provide a complete meal for one person.
D.C. CENTRAL KITCHEN: The USDA estimates that over 33 million tons of food are wasted each year in the United States, and for the past 25 years, D.C. Central Kitchen (425 2nd Street NW) has been in the business of recovering leftover food and converting it into meals for those most in need. D.C. Central Kitchen provides approximately 5,000 meals per day to 100 homeless shelters, transitional homes, and non-profit organizations. And while D.C. Central Kitchen provides other programs (such as healthy school lunches through its School Food Program), it’s best known for making sure that leftover food from local restaurants and organizations doesn’t go to waste. As Thanksgiving approaches, check out D.C. Central Kitchen’s Thanksgiving Donation Guidelines [PDF] to help the organization collect and provide whole turkeys, pies, and other Thanksgiving food items, as well as toiletry kits and needed winter attire such as coats, hats, and gloves.
FOOD & FRIENDS: The mission of Food & Friends is to create a caring community surrounding men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-challenging illnesses, focusing on delivering specialized meals and groceries, along with nutrition education and counseling. The organization offers plenty of opportunities during Thanksgiving Week, including on Thanksgiving Day. Consider helping out by assisting with food preparation and packing groceries in the kitchen, as well as “Turkey Box” delivery to clients that live a great distance from Food & Friends. On Thanksgiving Day, volunteer for Holiday Meal Delivery by serving meals to a few clients living in Washington D.C., Maryland or Virginia. Food & Friends also has openings for volunteers to help with the logistics of its Thanksgiving Day programs and services.
MARTHA’S TABLE: For the past 33 years, Martha’s Table (2114 14th Street NW) has worked to help those most in need by providing healthy food, affordable clothing, and quality education. As winter approaches, the number of those that Martha’s Table serves through its food and nutrition program doubles, but there are plenty of ways to donate or get involved. McKenna’s Wagon & Emergency Food Services (a nightly meal distribution service) experiences an increase in need across the next few months and is always accepting donations. Similarly, Martha’s Market (a grocery preparation service), accepts donations to help ensure that families in need can have a diverse and healthy array of groceries to take home. And consider volunteering at or attending the Community Harvest Dinner on Sunday, November 23, which welcomes families, volunteers, and other community members for a collective dinner before the week of Thanksgiving.
SO OTHERS MIGHT EAT: So Others Might Eat (SOME) (60 O Street NW) is an interfaith, community-based organization that helps the poor and homeless in Washington D.C. by helping to meet their immediate daily needs such as food, clothing, and healthcare. The organization also focuses on breaking the cycle of homelessness by offering services such as affordable housing, job training, addiction treatment, and counseling. This year, SOME is hosting its 13th Annual Thanksgiving Day “Trot for Hunger”, the proceeds of which go directly to benefitting homeless families and adults. The 5K takes place on the morning of Thanksgiving Day, beginning at Freedom Plaza (at the corner of 13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW). Donations are also accepted, if you’re not of the running sort.
