Blog

It was a privilege to join our community on January 21st in honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy as we kicked off our 40th year – and as we strive to do every day. We’re deeply proud to serve this community, and never more so than when we’re reminded that the roots of that service lie in the pursuit of justice.

Forty years ago today, on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, a group of interfaith leaders from across the region opened the doors of the CAFB. Our goal then, as it is now: to ensure that people have the food they need to thrive.

To address the root causes of hunger and inequity in our region, the CAFB is finding need new and innovative approaches. Food can be a powerful catalyst for change and for more inclusive economic growth that begins to address our region’s inequities. That's why our next stage of work will seek to harness that power.

As the CAFB prepares for its 40th anniversary kick-off and celebration, CAFB President & CEO Radha Muthiah reflects on all we were proud to accomplish in 2019, and the incredible momentum and strategic plan that is ushering us into this seminal year.

It was a big year at the food bank. As we wave goodbye to 2019, here’s a look back at some of the top media stories we had the opportunity to be a part of this year.

From getting ready to distribute thousands of pounds of turkey and other holiday food staples for families to being part of food drives across the region, excitement is in the air as the food bank prepares for the season of gathering and giving.

When you give, you’ll be strengthening the community by getting meals to neighbors across Washington and the surrounding Virginia and Maryland suburbs who need them.

Across our region, many working parents have careers that demand hours outside of the 9 to 5 status quo. For these working families, after school care is not just an essential service that allows the family to thrive economically – it’s also a safe space for children to share in community, learning, and healthy meals.

In DC alone, 11% of people over age 60 are food insecure. Just as the CAFB focuses its efforts on research and innovation to better serve senior clients in the Greater Washington area, reauthorization of the OAA is an opportunity to ensure that the best services possible remain available for older Americans in our region and beyond.

Gabby grew up in the DC area, but it wasn't until her tenure at the Capital Area Food Bank as the 2019 Hunger Lifeline Intern that she found a new perspective on the food insecurity prevalent in her community. Now, she is further inspired to pursue a career in public health and social justice.