November 25, 2020
An estimated half-million Washington, D.C., area residents face food insecurity – defined as not knowing from where the next meal will come. Washington Nationals Philanthropies has long focused on increasing food access in the region. Grants to local nonprofits, as well as nightly meal distribution and a subsidized produce program at its Youth Baseball Academy, help alleviate challenges for vulnerable populations and those living near the Academy – a food desert with a ratio of one grocery store for 30,000 residents. This year, the organization has responded to widespread economic uncertainty and rising food insecurity by doubling down on its efforts to increase food access – activating facilities, funds, and community-based partners as civic resources to deliver sustained support for a community in need. These efforts continued during this year with two additional activations.
Third Annual Turkey Giveaway at the Youth Baseball Academy
On Monday, November 23, The Nationals Youth Baseball Academy distributed over 200 turkeys to participants of the facility’s afterschool and youth baseball programs. Additionally, canned goods courtesy of Wegmans and produce from 4P Foods, operator of the Academy’s weekly farmers market, were distributed to participants and community members. Altogether, the program delivered food staples to provide more than 1,000 meals into the community this Thanksgiving.
“Feed the Fridge” Thanksgiving Meal Distribution
In partnership with Feed the Fridge, the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy distributed 200 prepared Thanksgiving meals to residents surrounding the Fort Dupont Park facility in Ward 7. Each single serve meal provided pre-cooked, Thanksgiving-inspired food prepared by local restaurant Medium Rare in a portable, sealed container. Feed the Fridge, founded by Medium Rare restaurant owner Mark Bucher, seeks to combat increases in COVID-related food insecurity by making free grab-and-go meals available in easy to access refrigerators housed at public facilities including schools, recreation centers, and emergency service stations.
