2024 was another wonderful year at the Capital Area Food Bank! We couldn’t have done it without our team of dedicated staff, our network of more than 400 partner organizations, our hardworking volunteers, and the generous contributions received from across our community.
From expanding programs to launching new initiatives, we’ve taken big steps to meet the growing need for food access across the Greater Washington region. Here are 10 highlights that defined our year, what we did and why it matters:
10. Focused on nutrition education
We know that good food is essential to good health. That’s why we expanded the Healthy Pantry Initiative to all three regions we serve. This program provides a set of guidelines to help our pantry partners better serve their clients by offering culturally familiar foods and tailoring services to meet diverse needs. We also updated our existing recipes and other nutritional resources to offer those tools in new languages for broader access and continued to develop new healthy recipes to support neighbors in preparing nutritious, affordable meals.
9. Offered new ways to volunteer
We’re now able to offer a new way to give back in Northern Virginia: volunteering at our expanded distribution center in Lorton. Whether you’re looking to give back as an individual or with a group, visit volunteer.capitalareafoodbank.org
8. Reached kids and families
We worked to bridge the gap for children facing food insecurity by providing food when schools are closed, both during the summer time and year-round through our afterschool programs. We also made it more convenient for parents to access nutritious food, by hosting Family Markets at schools across the region. These programs ensure kids have the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
7. Graduated and welcomed Client Leadership Council members
We celebrated the graduation of the 4th class of the Client Leadership Council, now named in honor of Father Eugene Brake, one of the food bank’s founders and a tireless advocate for change. We also welcomed the 5th class of the CLC program, which kicked off in October. This 10-month program brings together individuals with lived experiences of food insecurity, empowering them to share their insights and guide our programs. Their perspectives are invaluable in shaping solutions that truly resonate with the communities we serve.
6. Partnered with local farmers
This year, we continued our commitment to partnerships with local farms to bring fresh, seasonal produce to our community. With over 3.7 million pounds of local produce purchased this year, these partnerships not only support local agriculture but also help ensure that 40% of what we distribute is fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. Released the 5th Hunger Report
Our 5th annual Hunger Report is the only data-driven research study focused on food insecurity in the region. This year’s report revealed a significant increase in food insecurity, with 37% of households experiencing challenges at some point during the year. It also highlighted a concerning rise in middle-income families facing food insecurity, underscoring the broad and growing impact of economic instability. This data informs our work and drives targeted solutions to support those in need.
4. Convened regional leaders
We hosted the Senior Hunger Conference, Regional College Hunger Conference, and partner meetings for each of our regions to address the unique food challenges faced by different populations. These events brought together thought leaders and practitioners to share ideas and solutions, allowing us to collaborate to better understand and serve our communities.
3. Launched new ways to reach seniors
We introduced the Silver Market and Senior Choice pilot programs to better meet the needs of older adults. These initiatives prioritize dignity and choice, providing seniors with fresh produce in a way that is accessible and works best for them.
2. Expanded our Food Pharmacy program
We know that food can be medicine, and our food pharmacy program partners with healthcare centers to provides free, nutritious groceries to help patients manage chronic health conditions. In 2024, we expanded our program by opening three new locations at Unity Health Care, Children’s National Columbia Heights, and University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). By meeting patients where they’re already receiving care, we’re tackling the link between food insecurity and health.
1. Opened our new NOVA Facility
Last but certainly not least: Our new Northern Virginia facility in Lorton is up and running! This expanded space increases our capacity to distribute food to the region and makes it easier to serve our neighbors in NOVA.
Looking Ahead: As we close out 2024, we’re grateful for everyone who has been a part of the journey to provide over 60 million meals this year. As we enter 2025, we are committed to continuing to get good food to our clients today and helping build brighter futures for tomorrow.