Blog

The food first bank’s first Hunger Report, released in July of 2020, sounded the alarm on a growing hunger crisis in our region as COVID-19 sent shockwaves through our economy and some areas saw food insecurity rates increase by 50% or more. Almost one year later, the food bank has issued a second report, this time diving more deeply into the faces behind those staggering numbers.

The food bank is excited to launch our 2021 client survey.

While the pandemic turned life upside down for all of us in 2020, it also showed the power of our community and renewed our deep commitment to the food bank’s most central purpose: ensuring our neighbors have the good food they need. Explore the impact made possible by our incredible community of supporters in the 2020 Annual Impact Report.

As many of us explore the first phrases of re-opening and move forward in a new world, the food bank is laying the groundwork to meet the needs of our neighbors - both those we were serving previously and those who are newly food insecure in the wake of the pandemic.

From humble beginnings in a modest warehouse to serving almost half a million area residents, read on to learn how the CAFB grew to become the anchor of our region's hunger relief infrastructure.

It was a privilege to join our community on January 21st in honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy as we kicked off our 40th year – and as we strive to do every day. We’re deeply proud to serve this community, and never more so than when we’re reminded that the roots of that service lie in the pursuit of justice.

Gabby grew up in the DC area, but it wasn't until her tenure at the Capital Area Food Bank as the 2019 Hunger Lifeline Intern that she found a new perspective on the food insecurity prevalent in her community. Now, she is further inspired to pursue a career in public health and social justice.

For families dealing with food insecurity, summer can be a struggle as their kids lose access to school meals. The Food Bank works to alleviate summer hunger through our Summer Meals programs, so kids can feel full and ready for summer adventures!

Capital Area Food Bank CEO Radha Muthiah recently visited one of the food bank's free monthly produce markets. The experience prompted her to reflect on the importance of doing two things simultaneously: meeting the need in our community today, and building a path towards a different future.

LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) brought young people between the ages of 13 and 19 and we had the chance to ask them: “What does hunger mean to you?”
These are their responses: