Your Gift on Giving Tuesday can Help Fight Local Hunger

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Many local nonprofits have matching programs today for food access, which means your dollars will go even farther

With unprecedented demand facing food banks and food access programs, this is a year like no other in helping feed hungry children, seniors and families of the DMV with nutritious and in many cases, locally grown and prepared foods. We’ve picked out three programs that are essential to the fight against hunger, and hope you will consider helping out.

The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB)

Studies by the CAFB show that hunger exists in every zip code in our region, and that need has only grown during the pandemic. Families are still struggling to get back on their feet and more people are turning to food banks and pantries for help, and the increased demand has not slowed down. With the help of farmers, wholesalers, restaurants, community members, and others, the CAFB sources the food for over 30 million meals each year, but there is even more need for food. On Giving Tuesday, all gifts will be doubled until the target of $100,000 is reached, courtesy of David & Naomi Balto, Cummins-Levenstein Charitable Foundation Inc. and Giant Food. The link to donate is HERE.

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FRESHFARM Markets

During the pandemic, our largest regional nonprofit farm market has partnered with 36 community institutions to feed hungry families. Through a partnership with the Moms Produce Program at Virginia Hospital Center, 1,135 bags of fresh fruits and vegetables were delivered to 500 uninsured expectant mothers since May.

FRESHFARM’s Pop Up Food Hub program sources fresh fruits and vegetables from 22 local farmers and delivers them to those most in need, including expectant mothers, vulnerable seniors, low-income families, and other at-risk groups. Since the pandemic began, FRESHFARM has provided over 23,000 bags of fresh produce, equal to 400,000+ servings of fruits and vegetables.

On Giving Tuesday, you can make a difference close to home: 

  • $10 can help one low-income resident buy healthy food at the market

  • $20 can feed one low-income family of four with fresh fruits and vegetables

  • $50 can support one virtual class that helps families cook healthy meals together

  • $100 can provide gloves, masks, and other supplies to keep markets open and safe

  • $250 can deliver 10 bags of healthy, local produce to feed families most in need

DONATE HERE

Real Food for Kids

Today on Giving Tuesday, your gift will be matched by the Sampson Foundation, up to $10,000. Real Food for Kids has a $25,000 Giving Tuesday goal to provide 10,000 meals during the holidays. Today is a great day to double your impact for hungry kids.

This pandemic has made it a critical time in fighting local hunger, local children and their families need support and generosity. Real Food for Kids invites you to make a difference, close to home. Donate now to provide plant-forward, delicious, nutritious meals needed for kids in your neighborhood to survive and thrive. Your donation assist with combating childhood hunger, but also help create employment opportunities in restaurants - one of the hardest-hit sectors. Donate here: You can make a difference, today.