'Tis the season of giving, and this year, Bread for the City's Holiday Helpings campaign went above and beyond in spreading joy and warmth throughout the community. With the collective efforts of donors, volunteers, and staff, the organization successfully distributed a staggering 12,500 holiday bags filled with holiday meats, groceries, and fresh produce.
This year, Amazon's contribution is set to make the holidays brighter for almost 3,000 local families. After a challenging year marked by the ongoing pandemic, last year's Holiday Helpings program saw unprecedented need. This year, the focus is on equity, with a groundbreaking expansion of mobile food delivery services that will bring holiday supplies directly to select residential buildings. This is in addition to on-site distribution at the organization's two community centers, distribution of fresh groceries, and offering families a choice between turkey and chicken. Holiday Helpings is not just a meal; it's a powerful demonstration of neighbors supporting neighbors and fostering a sense of community.
As the country braces for a federal government shutdown on Sunday, October 1st, Bread for the City’s Food Pantry will remain steadfast in its commitment to keeping our doors “open for any and all," shares Trazy Collins, Food and Clothing Director.
Mars and the Washington Nationals knocked it out of the park with their summer fundraiser supporting Bread for the City. Using America's favorite pastime, they united the DC community for an excellent cause to support our neighbors living on low or no income, raising over $6,000!
Today, the D.C. Police Union moved to intervene in Bread for the City v. District of Columbia, a case that challenges the District of Columbia’s practice of sending police officers rather than mental health providers to respond to mental health emergencies.
Guided by our values of dignity, respect, service, and justice, BFC has provided holistic, wrap-around service to empower Washington, DC, residents living with low income to determine their future and the future of their own communities since the 1970s. We are thrilled to share a pivotal milestone in our journey: unveiling our strategic plan for 2022-2027.
161. That is the number of people who have been killed in DC so far in 2023. We can no longer ignore the role of gun violence in homicides in our communities. In the last week alone, we have experienced two traumatic shootings at the doorstep of Bread for the City’s Southeast Center in Ward 8’s Fairlawn community. This is just one street in one neighborhood, but across DC, gun violence is destroying lives - from those killed or injured, to witnesses, and loved ones left behind to rebuild shattered families and communities.
“When you tell me no, I’ll give you five reasons why it's a yes.”
"This is what I have been asking and hoping for, doing what others don't have the courage to do. I just thought [Bread for the City staff] weren't afraid. Go with people leading with fierceness.”
At-large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, along with the help and support of Councilmembers Trayon White, Sr., Anita Bonds, Robert C. White, Jr., Janeese Lewis George, Zachary Parker, Brianne K. Nadeau, Brooke Pinto, Charles Allen, and Vincent C. Gray, introduced the Reparations Foundation Fund and Task Force Establishment Act of 2023.