Blog

Connecting community and art is a unique skill many artists bring to light. It’s incredible how a piece of artwork can get an entire community together, and it’s something Juan Pineda has mastered over the past 20 years. Pineda is a DC-based mural artist who owns Criomatic Designs. He created Bread for the City’s new Holiday Helpings design, which can be seen on t-shirts, mugs, and other merchandise to raise money for low-income DC community members during the holiday season. We sat down with Juan recently to learn more about his work in the community, here’s what he had to say!

Counting down to midnight and welcoming 2022 during the current pandemic surge means we are entering yet another year amidst a surreal pandemic experience. But, it also means we have made it through 2021, despite its challenges and hardships. At Bread for the City, we especially have much to be thankful for. We’ve met this moment head-on, cheered on by our community and motivated by our client heroes, many of which have been hard hit these last two years.

As of November of 2021, DC has reached its 200th homicide,  which has been reported to be the highest point in 18 years. 

As a person who has lost family members, former classmates and peers to gun violence, it is crucial that we allocate resources and take preventive measures to eliminate the violence within our communities.

Second Gentlemen, Doug Emhoff, encourages everyone to volunteer and support a nonprofit organization this holiday season. Thank you for volunteering with us

Two Holiday Helpings recipients discuss the importance of getting a debit card this year versus a turkey or ham. They talked about the freedom of making their own choices and how it’s a better fit for their family.

Bates White is thrilled to celebrate its 20-year partnership with Bread for the City (BFTC). To commemorate this important milestone, the firm held a virtual wine raffle that raised $60,000 for BFTC.

The ongoing pandemic continues to devastate underserved communities and the many families who rely on Bread for the City’s services. A nearly 20-year BFC client and DC native, Audrey Station, faces financial challenges exacerbated by recent supply shortages and inflation caused by the pandemic’s lingering effects. Station, who is disabled and bed-bound, is looking forward to receiving her $75 debit card, which will help her provide food and necessities for her family. 

Bread for the City (BFC), a direct service non-profit in the nation’s capital, will serve 15,000 DC families through its annual Holiday Helpings program this season. An almost 30-year tradition, Holiday Helpings runs through November and December each year and, prior to the pandemic, provided families with their holiday turkey or ham and all the trimmings. In 2020 and 2021, the program pivoted to provide direct cash giving through debit cards in order to offer flexibility and choice to families struggling during the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.