Many still think the Capital Area Food Bank is a soup kitchen or food pantry.
Although that is not our role, we do work hand-in-hand with those organizations working on the front line in the struggle against hunger.
We are a distribution center, with smaller organizations coming to shop for fresh produce and food to serve directly to their clients.
Food donated to the CAFB from companies and individuals goes through our partner agencies – community organizations such as food pantries, church groups, etc. – and directly to residents in need.
In addition to food distribution, we take pride in empowering our partners through our teaching kitchen, nutrition programs and a variety of other resources.
A good example is Top Shelf, our premier training series that teaches our partners important subjects such as how to:
- Manage nonprofit finances
- Develop programs
- Recruit volunteers
- Distribute healthy food
The Top Shelf series consists of seven workshops providing a solid foundation for emergency feeding programs that want to improve their operations. The next classes will take place May 24 and June 7.
This time around, the program came with even more rewards!
Through a donation from Rent-A-Center and an anonymous donor in Montgomery County, the 16 organizations that recently completed the training were eligible to receive a brand new freezer for food storage in their pantries.
This short video shows how the Capital Area Food Bank works with donors and partners to empower those feeding our neighbors in need.