When DC Central Kitchen moved out of the basement of the Federal Shelter and into The Michael R. Klein Center for Jobs and Justice in Southwest DC last spring, our goal was to have the capacity to serve 25,000 meals in a day. This would include not just the meals that we distribute to schools and community partners daily, but the meals we help facilitate for other organizations to serve.
This Thanksgiving season, we’re grateful for our generous partners and the passionate staff at DC Central Kitchen as we prepare to serve more than 69,000 meals this holiday! It’s also far above the goal we set in early 2023, and more than double the meals we distributed for Thanksgiving 2023. A special thank you to The Morningstar Foundation, Butterball, Cuisine Solutions, the Edlavitch DCJCC, Keany Produce, H&S Bakery, and FRESHFARM Markets for making this season possible!
Our holiday food distribution via school and community meals, grocery deliveries, and frozen turkey distribution throughout started last week.
On Friday, November 22, we distributed over 2,200 birds to community partners ranging from churches, schools and nonprofits of all sizes, a 59% increase of what we were able to contribute last year. “I think it’s an opportunity for us to support our community, especially organizations with related missions who are trying to better this world,” said DCCK Procurement Manager Jackie Wincek.
One of those organizations is the Department of Human Services. Their Partner, Sponsor & Donor Coordinator Scott Sibley told us, “Thanks to the support of DC Central Kitchen this year we’re increasing the numbers of families served. It’s going to make a big difference.”
“I don’t think that words can express the thanks and gratitude I have for the partnership we have,” said Sibley. “They have helped us expand our mission in directly impacting the residents that we serve, we could not be more appreciative.”
On Sunday, November 24 and Monday, November 25, 750 volunteers came out for the Edlavitch DCJCC’s 28th annual Everything But The Turkey to help prepare 1,300 servings of the Thanksgiving side dishes people love. Trays of green beans, coleslaw, stuffing, collard greens, yams, and apple crumble were prepared for DCCK to include in our holiday community meals that will be distributed to dozens of shelters, transitional homes and community centers on Thanksgiving. Special thanks to WUSA9 for capturing this 28 year tradition.
Our procurement team joined Food Rescue US-DC on Sunday, November 24 for a special gleaning at the FRESHFARM Dupont Farmers Market. Another one of our annual traditions, we’re able to procure additional fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins for our Thanksgiving baskets and meals. These baskets and meals are distributed to our community meal recipients as well as other nonprofit organizations.
While the holidays are when people more often think of the issue of hunger, we tackle this issue 365 days a year. 38% of DC residents are facing food insecurity, a level of need that demands real solutions. That’s why we create jobs and training opportunities that equip people to leave hunger and poverty behind for good. Our dedicated team is thankful for what we’re able to do this holiday season and hopeful for the future. If you’d like to get involved, visit our website!