Join the Fight Against Summer Hunger: How DC’s Legal Community is Supporting Local Food Banks

A local food bank is stepping up to help students during summer break when they miss out on essential school meals. Megan Curran, the Director of Community Engagement at the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB), highlights the importance of this effort.

In May, the annual Food From the Bar (FFTB) campaign kicks off. It brings together law firms, schools, and legal professionals to combat hunger in D.C. Participants organize fun events like pickleball tournaments to raise funds.

Curran emphasizes the urgency of addressing summer hunger. Many kids rely on school meals for their daily nutrition. In her words, “Making sure students have that support in the summer is so important.”

This year, the campaign aims for $650,000, a jump from last year’s $530,000 based on community demand. The CAFB serves a broad area, including all eight wards of D.C., Northern Virginia, and parts of Maryland. Shockingly, nearly 1.5 million people in this region face food insecurity, which means more than one in three neighbors struggle to put food on the table.

Curran adds, “Many in the community want to help but aren’t sure how.” Campaigns like FFTB simplify the process, allowing people to make a real difference.

The issue is growing. The hunger crisis is on the rise, impacting around 76% of employed individuals. Families with children are particularly vulnerable, twice as likely to face food hardship compared to those without kids. A recent report from CAFB also reveals that food insecurity is increasingly affecting educated, middle-class families. Half of those struggling with food have more than a high school diploma, and a significant number hold college degrees.

Addressing hunger is vital for the well-being of our communities, especially as the need continues to grow. The FFTB campaign is a great reminder that local efforts can lead to significant change.

For more information on this ongoing issue, refer to the CAFB’s 2024 Hunger Report.

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Food bank,Summer hunger,Fundraising campaign,Food insecurity,Capital Area Food Bank,Legal community,Students,Community engagement