“If He Picks It, He’ll Eat It”: A Joyful Food Market Success Story

At Martha’s Table, we know that access to fresh, healthy food is the foundation of a strong community. That’s the heart behind our Joyful Food Markets, which transform school spaces into vibrant, choice-based shopping experiences for families in Wards 7 and 8. But the impact of these markets goes far beyond the groceries themselves; it’s about creating choice, connection, and joy.

We recently had the pleasure of meeting Dameona and her son, Kay’Stun, at the Joyful Food Market at Douglas Knoll. Their story perfectly highlights the positive impact these markets have.

“These markets are very, very helpful,” Dameona shared. “You guys come out in the community and really help.” Perhaps the biggest fan is Kay’Stun.

“My son is a big fan of vegetables recently,” Dameona told us. “I let him pick out what he wants here. Sometimes he’s picky, sometimes he’s not, but if he picks it, he’ll eat it.”

When we visited, Kay’Stun excitedly walked through the market, his choices guided by his own curiosity. He joyfully selected cabbage, ginger, onions, celery, carrots, spinach, lemons, grapefruit, pears, bananas, canned applesauce, and collard greens. Not only was he filling the family’s bag with healthy food, but he was also learning, even exploring different types of beans and lentils at one of the activity stations. 

Dameona’s appreciation extends to the people behind the service. “I like the markets and the team because everyone is very respectful and helpful. It’s really good. I would recommend this to anybody, honestly.”

The Impact of Joyful Food Markets

Dameona and Kay’Stun are just one of the 6,000 families we serve each month through our markets. Across Wards 7 and 8, areas hit hardest by rising food prices and economic uncertainty, and where access to full-service grocery stores is limited, our markets provide essential support. Every month, we distribute 60,000 pounds of groceries across 50 pop-up markets, ensuring school families can shop for fresh produce and pantry staples at no cost.

A Call for Community Support

Running 50 monthly pop-up markets relies heavily on volunteers. Their impact goes far beyond the hours they put in; they are the welcoming faces that make the market a joy-filled experience, just like the volunteers from a European Union delegation who recently joined Martha’s Table team members Marcus, Evan, and Chanel to help run a Joyful Food Market where Kay’Stun and his mother shopped.

Martha’s Table relies on volunteers to fill 15,000 slots every year to sustain our mission. If you are looking for a meaningful way to support strong children, strong families, and strong communities right here in DC, please consider volunteering with us one afternoon at a Joyful Food Market. 

Volunteer with us!