Hunger Action Month at Martha’s Table!

Taking Action Together: Hunger Action Month at Martha’s Table

September is Hunger Action Month, a national movement that spotlights hunger and reminds us of the vital role we each play in ensuring that no one goes without a meal. At Martha’s Table, access to food equity is at the heart of our mission, and this month, we’re amplifying our efforts to nourish our neighbors and drive lasting change.

The Capital Area Food Bank’s new HungerReport2024 reveals that a staggering 37% of households in our region didn’t know where their next meal was coming from—a five-percentage-point increase from last year’s report. This figure highlights a sobering reality: despite many positive economic headlines, an alarming number of our neighbors are facing food insecurity.

Our Roots in Food Equity

Since our founding, we’ve embraced the belief that access to fresh, nutritious food is a right, not a privilege. Every day, we work alongside our community to provide families with no-cost access to healthy food and resources. 

Whether through our Martha’s Table Markets, Joyful Food Markets, McKenna’s Wagon, or partnerships with local farmers and businesses, we’re able to meet families where they are providing no-cost fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples. 

Our Martha’s Table Markets offer a no-cost, farmers market-style shopping experience with convenient access to fresh produce and pantry items. Guests are welcome to shop twice monthly at our markets, open Monday through Friday, in the lobbies of our SE and NW locations.

Joyful Food Markets, delivered in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank and DC Health, provides access to healthy and nutritious food through monthly pop-up events at more than 50 elementary schools in Wards 7 and 8. Families can shop at no cost for high-quality produce and pantry staples, with each market featuring music, fun activities, and samples to promote healthy eating habits among children and their families.

Additionally, Our McKenna’s Wagon mobile food service operates 365 days a year to distribute warm meals, sandwiches, and healthy snacks. Rain, shine, hail, snow, or heat, our team shows up to make sure our neighbors experiencing housing instability or hunger have access to healthy food. 

Access into Action 

At Martha’s Table Market, we provide more than fresh, healthy food at no cost—we enhance the experience by offering recipe cards and hosting cooking demonstrations. These efforts extend beyond traditional food access by equipping our community with the knowledge and skills to prepare nutritious meals, fostering lasting healthy habits, and positioning families to make informed choices for their well-being.

In 2023, we presented our findings at the American Public Health Association conference, highlighting the impact of food demonstrations and recipe cards in promoting healthier behaviors in our community. These tools, combined with practical education, play a critical role in shifting dietary habits and encouraging long-term wellness. Our holistic programs, such as Healthy Happy Hour and Healing Movements, provide participants with opportunities to nourish both body and mind. Food acts as an entry point to these services, connecting individuals to the full range of support we offer.

How you can get involved

This Hunger Action Month and beyond, we’re calling on our friends, neighbors, and supporters to join us in taking meaningful action. Here’s how you can get involved:

• • Volunteer: We’re increasing opportunities for more volunteers to serve at our Martha’s Table Market, Joyful Food Market, and McKenna’s Wagon! Whether packing groceries or distributing meals, your time can make a real difference.
  • Donate: At Martha’s Table, each bag of fresh produce and pantry essentials we provide to our community costs approximately $12. In the market, that same bag would be $25-$35. Your support today can help us offer fresh, nutritious food to our neighbors at no cost. Consider donating the price of a bag of produce and make a direct impact!
  • Awareness: Stay up to date on our latest programs. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X to help us expand our reach to the entire DC area! 

This month, let’s come together because our collective strength grows when each of us is nourished. Together, as a community, we can create a future where everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.