At Barnard Elementary School in northwest Washington, D.C., families line up once a month in anticipation of the latest Family Market. A long line of tables stretches across the space, where volunteers work efficiently, packing bags of fresh food in an assembly-line style.
These monthly events are more than just food distributions: they’re a chance for the community to connect while taking home essentials for healthy meals.
These Family Markets are part of a program of 112 markets coperated by the food bank in partnership with schools like Barnard to get healthy food to kids and families who need it most. Hosting the markets directly at schools makes it easier for families to access fresh produce and other nutritious groceries at a place they already visit frequently.
Barnard Elementary’s Family Market began last school year, initially serving around 90 families each month. Data from our Hunger Heat Map shows that the school is located in an area with elevated levels of food insecurity, and school officials welcomed the monthly market as an additional resource for families who struggle to access enough food. Since the start, participation has steadily increased as more families and neighbors learn about the market. This November, roughly 170 families received food at the market, a testament to the need for accessible food.
The market serves as a convenient, welcoming resource for busy families. Shanita Adams, who picks up her fourth-grade niece after school, shared how the market helps introduce fresh vegetables into her meals. “It’s great for exposing her to more fresh produce and encouraging her to try new things,” she said.
For Jenel Buie, a mom of four, the Family Market is a way to instill healthy habits. “It’s nice to have the produce to get the kids in the habit of eating healthy,” she said.
At Barnard, the market thrives thanks to a collective effort. Barnard staffer Sandra Salamanca takes the lead in organizing, alongside a team of volunteers. Many volunteers are parents of current or former students, while others have previously benefited from the markets and now give back.
One parent volunteer shared how meaningful it is to give her time at the same school her children attend. “It shows [the children] an example of how they can grow up to give back and be champions for their community,” she said.
For many, the Family Market is a win-win: kids get to play and snack on fresh fruit while families take home the ingredients for healthy meals. These markets make a significant impact, ensuring everyone in the community has the support they need to thrive.
Photos by Maansi Srivastava