Nourishing Families, Strengthening Communities: Hunger Action Month at Martha’s Table

As Hunger Action Month comes to a close, we’re reminded that everyone deserves access to nourishing food. At Martha’s Table, we believe healthy, affordable food is a right, not a privilege. 

The Capital Area Food Bank’s recently released Hunger Report 2025 shows that 37% of households in our region were unsure where their next meal would come from, a five-point increase from the year before. This includes families across every income level and background, many of whom are working one or more jobs. 

Last year, we distributed over 2.2 million meals, a 23% increase from the prior year and a 49.7% increase from 2023. Neighbors east of the Anacostia River in Ward 8 have access to just one full-service grocery store, while Ward 3, with a similar population, has 15.

Our Roots in Food Equity

For 45 years, Martha’s Table has partnered with neighbors across Washington, DC, to expand food access with dignity and choice. What began in 1980 as a safe space for children to enjoy after-school meals on 14th Street NW has grown into a community-led organization that now supports more than 30,000 neighbors each year with access to healthy food, quality education, family support, and community investment.

We are proud to walk alongside families and ensure that nutritious food and resources are always within reach.

• Martha’s Table Markets: No-cost, choice-based markets located in SE and NW DC  where families can shop twice a month for fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples.
• Joyful Food Markets: In partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank and DC Health, these monthly school-based events bring high-quality groceries, fun activities, and nutrition education to 50 elementary schools across Wards 7 and 8.
  
• McKenna’s Wagon: Our mobile food service operates every day of the year, providing warm meals, sandwiches, and healthy snacks to neighbors experiencing hunger instability.
• Early Childhood Education: Freshly prepared in-house lunches and snacks are served daily to children in our center-based early childhood education programs.
  

We sat down with our Community Health Nutritionist, Katherine Donnelly, who explained:

“A healthy diet is built on whole foods like fresh produce, whole grains, and a plant-forward approach. At Martha’s Table, our markets create access to these foods, which are often the hardest to find in our communities. When families start building healthy habits early, children develop a taste for fresh produce that lasts a lifetime.”

From Access to Action

Food is just the beginning of health and well-being. At Martha’s Table, our food programs create opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive.

• Joyful Food Markets have cooking demonstrations and recipe cards that provide practical skills and encourage healthy habits at home.
  
• Holistic Emotional Wellness programs such as Healthy Happy Hour and Healing Movements invite families to nourish their bodies and minds while building strong connections with their community.

As Katherine Notes:

“Our Joyful Food Markets make it easy for families to access fresh food right at their children’s schools. There are no barriers,  no paperwork, no cost, and no questions asked. That accessibility, combined with nutrition education and recipes, encourages families to use the food in their daily meals. Over time, the monthly presence of markets at schools builds a habit.”

We weave together education, wellness, and food access so families can make informed choices that support their well-being.

Take Action

Help strengthen food access in our community:

• Volunteer: Join us at Martha’s Table Markets, Joyful Food Markets, or McKenna’s Wagon. Your time creates meaningful connections and directly supports families. Sign up for a shift at our daily markets, here.
• Make a Gift: We source each bag of fresh produce and pantry staples directly from supplies for about $12, while the same items would cost $25 to $35 in a store. A gift of any size keeps these groceries free for families. Make a gift, here. 
• Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected with Martha’s Table! You’ll receive updates, stories, and ways to share this important work with your community. Sign up, here. 

Together, We Thrive All Year Long
Hunger Action Month reminds us of our community’s collective power, but our work continues throughout the year. By coming together, we strengthen children, families, and communities across Washington, DC.

Join us in building a healthier, more connected city every day.

Did you know? More than 80,000 residents in Ward 8 share just one full-service grocery store east of the Anacostia River. Joyful Food Markets help bring fresh, healthy food directly to families and make a real difference in the community.