Brightest Young Things

This time of year, regardless of how (or if) you celebrate, is a time when people reflect on their blessings. Most of us are very lucky, having our basic needs met and then some. Others, not so much.

This week I spent some time calling local food-based organizations asking for the best ways people could help them right now and into 2009. Here's what I heard back.

Bread for the City – this organization’s mission is to provide vulnerable residents of Washington, DC, with comprehensive services, including food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services, in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

Greg Bloom, Development Associate "We actually have only today left in our special Holiday Helpings campaign, which provides the food for complete holiday meals (a turkey with all the trimmings) to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to enjoy a meal together in the dignity of their own home. This year was our food pantry’s busiest holiday season every – we expected to pass out 10,000 meals, and ended up clearing 12,000. That means, of course, we went seriously over budget, so Brightest Young Things readers can really help us finish strong by making a donation here." (ed: Feed a family for $28)

"In the meantime, our food programs (one located in Shaw in NW, the other in Anacostia SE) are of course busy all times of the year. Donations of canned goods are accepted, but of course we can purchase food much more cheaply (in bulk) than individuals can. So cash gifts go a really long way toward helping our most vulnerable neighbors. Click here for more info. And finally, if people are interested in learning more about poverty in the District, they should check out our blog."

DC Central Kitchen – their mission is to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds and build communities. Since its inception, DC Central Kitchen been a central location to recover unused food, prepare and deliver meals to partner social service agencies, train and employ homeless men and women for the food service industry, and intellectually engage volunteers.

William Neuheisel, Communications Manager "Volunteer – I think it’s safe to say that DC Central Kitchen has one of the best volunteer experiences in the area. You get to work alongside the students and graduates of our Culinary Job Training program (who are a blast to work with) and you get to learn some handy professional kitchen skills that will impress your friends and family (or girls, in my case). Volunteers are CRUCIAL to our work because we rely on them to produce over 4,500 meals every day. You can sign up online here, but you probably want to book in advance."

"Look for our frozen dinners – We partnered with local company, Cuisine Solutions, to make a gourmet frozen dinners line using recipes from local star chefs. Our kitchen helps prepare the ingredients, so when you buy them you are not only generating revenue for our programs, but creating work opportunity for our job-training graduates. The meals really are quite good; they are cooked using the ‘sous vide’ technique. You can sound like an elite foodie by serving sous vide at your next dinner party. Find them here." (ed: brilliant idea and tasty to boot)

"Donate – Consider making a donation in honor of someone instead of buying them something for the holidays. A lot of businesses have had to reduce their giving this year, so people can really help fill that gap by donating (and so far, people have been SERIOUSLY stepping up to the plate to help). Just make sure your beneficiary is making real impact and can tell you about the results they get."

D.C. Hunger Solutions – This project fights hunger and improves the nutrition, health, and well-being of children and families in the District of Columbia by informing the public about hunger and food insecurity in D.C., working to boost participation in D.C. child nutrition programs and working to ensure better food stamp access for more District residents.

Alexandra Ashbrook, Director "There are a number of actions people can take to end hunger in D.C. First, if they volunteer at any locations that serve low-income individuals, they can pass out D.C. Hunger Solutions’ "How to Get Food in the District of Columbia: Food and Nutrition Resource Guide."

"As more people struggle with hunger, it’s important to make sure they are connected to federal nutrition programs (like food stamps, school meals, and WIC). They can also share their vision of a hunger-free America with President-elect Obama by clicking here and supporting his commitment to ending childhood hunger by 2015 and to cut poverty in half."

"And, they can contact D.C. Hunger Solutions if they are interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities to help raise awareness of the federal nutrition programs, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other programs that can help struggling households.”

Reston Interfaith - A nonprofit organization with 38 years of experience serving Reston, Herndon, and northwestern Fairfax County it promotes self-sufficiency through support and advocacy for those in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, and other services. (disclosure: I have volunteered for them in the past and am friends with the staff person quoted)

Eleanor Moody, Assistant Director/Neighborhood Resources "We're always seeking donations of versatile staple household food items that families with a number of small children can make multiple easy meals out of. Pasta, rice and vegetables are always good. Donations of gift cards are very helpful as well. This allows them to buy toiletries that cannot be purchased with food stamps. We have a basic wish list posted here. Our website also has a donation page and a volunteer page."

...and because it got stuck in my head when I was writing this, even though I actually hate the song, and I think that the terrible Bob Geldoff daughter gets all the attention instead of her cuter, seemingly nicer, sister.