Monday, November 22, 2021
Tonight, the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy distributed 200 turkeys to participants of its afterschool and youth baseball programs through an annual event dubbed “Turkeypalooza” by staff. This marks the fourth year the program has distributed meals to those in need during a season that emphasizes food and family.
Families also received a bag of fresh produce courtesy of the Academy’s market, the only year-round farmers market in Ward 7 for community residents. The bags were funded through generous donations from Nationals fans and supporters. In total, “Turkeypalooza” delivered food staples to provide more than 900 meals into the community this Thanksgiving.
Food Access in Wards 7 and 8
Washington Nationals Philanthropies has long focused on increasing food access in the region, helping alleviate challenges for vulnerable populations and those living near the Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. According to the DC Food Policy Council’s Food System Assessment, there are only three grocery stores to serve the nearly 165,000 residents in Wards 7 and 8. Considered a “food desert”, this area benefits from programs like the Academy’s weekly farmers market and from the annual Turkey giveaway hosted at the Academy to provide increased access to healthy, fresh food.
