In the spirit of giving and with the holidays rapidly approaching, there are several ways Howard students can give back to nearby places in the D.C. area would be essential. I will be highlighting places that are in close proximity to Howard University and are perfect for giving back to the DC community.
- BreadfortheCity
Bread for the City is a front-line agency serving the poor of Washington, D.C. It began as two organizations: Zacchaeus Free Clinic, and Bread for the City, a project by a coalition of downtown DC churches created in 1974 to feed and clothe the poor. Bread for the City offers programs in Food, Clothing, Health Care, Social Services, advocacy, and legal services. They have volunteering opportunities starting on November 22, 2023, all the way to the new year.
- Food for All DC
Food for All DC was established in 1984 in Washington, D.C. by Peter Sage in affiliation with the Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team (AMURT). They started as a small operation aimed at providing home grocery delivery for those not mobile enough to make it to other local organizations for assistance. Food for All DC is still completely volunteer-run, serving over 200 households across all four quadrants of Washington, D.C. They make over 3000 deliveries a year. Volunteering is a foundation of Food For All DC and is an expression of the belief that society thrives through mutual respect and heart-centered action.
- Thrive DC
Thrive DC began in 1979 as the Dinner Program for Homeless Women (DPHW), a response to the first major wave of homelessness on the streets of downtown Washington, DC. Thrive DC, in partnership with other non-profits and government agencies, strives to provide more comprehensive services to a historically underserved and vulnerable population with the mission to end homelessness in the District. Volunteer opportunities consist of preparing and serving meals, working in our food pantry, sorting and distributing mail, and organizing donations.
- Capital Area Food Bank
The Capital Area Food Bank is the anchor of the hunger relief infrastructure in our region, providing more than 50 million meals to people in communities across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. They provide food for today and address the root causes of hunger by partnering with organizations that provide critical services like job training programs and health care. Volunteering opportunities consist of grocery delivery, community markets, and gardening.