On December 6th, 2022, our very own Mike Curtin was recognized with the Ceremonial Resolution for his work with DC Central Kitchen by longtime friend of the Kitchen, DC Councilmember Mary Cheh. The resolution identifies Mike’s many contributions, engagement, dedication and awards, most recently the Washington Business Journal’s Nonprofit Leader of the Year. The resolution was entered into the District of Columbia Register, but you can read the full proclamation below!
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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To recognize and honor Michael “Mike” F. Curtin, Jr., a local leader whose work with DC
Central Kitchen has made, and continues to make, a positive, long-lasting impact on the
region and the residents of the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, DC Central Kitchen is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats
hunger and poverty through job training and job creation, providing hands-on culinary job
training for individuals facing high barriers to employment, including returning citizens and men
and women in recovery, while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food
where it is most needed;
WHEREAS, DC Central Kitchen’s social ventures include delivering fresh, affordable
produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets and operating a fast-casual café;
WHEREAS, having joined DC Central Kitchen in 2004, Mike has spent significant time
expanding the Kitchen’s revenue-generating social enterprise initiatives; under his leadership,
DC Central Kitchen’s Fresh Start Catering has expanded from traditional catering opportunities
to include contracts to provide locally-sourced, scratched-cooked meals to schools across
Washington, DC;
WHEREAS, DC Central Kitchen’s Nutrition Lab facility, funded and launched under
Mike’s leadership, has allowed DC Central Kitchen to take on more contracts, rapidly increase
investments in purchasing from local farms, and improve production efficiency;
WHEREAS, Due to its many social service programs, DC Central Kitchen now employs
over 175 people, approximately 50 percent of whom are graduates of the Kitchen’s nationally
recognized Culinary Job Training Program;
WHEREAS, DC Central Kitchen has received numerous accolades under Mike’s
leadership, including the Mayor’s Environmental Excellence Award; the Washington Business
Journal’s Green Business Award for Innovation; the DC Chamber of Commerce 2012
Community Impact Award; the top national award for healthy school innovation, the Golden
Carrot; and two White House Champion of Change Awards;
WHEREAS, Mike is being named the Washington Business Journal Nonprofit Leader of
the Year for 2022;
WHEREAS, Mike is a chair emeritus of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan
Washington and currently sits on the advisory boards of DC Greens, Real Food for Kids, and
Catalyst Kitchens and is a member of the Leadership Council of DC Hunger Solutions; and
WHEREAS, Mike Curtin, Jr.’s life of engagement and dedication to bettering his
community serves as a robust model for how nonprofits, businesses, and local government can
work together to build a more resilient, sustainable, and healthy food system.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Michael F. Curtin, Jr. Recognition Resolution of 2022.”
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia celebrates Mike Curtin, Jr., and
recognizes his many contributions to a more just national food system and, specifically, to the
people of the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in
the District of Columbia Register.