The surge in inflation has brought about a serious need for food security. Even though the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis is lessening, the number of people requesting food has remained heightened as inflation pushes the price of groceries to historic levels.
On May 18, Catholic Charities is participating in “Do More 24,” the largest 24-hour online fundraiser in the DMV, providing an opportunity for those in the area to “do more” for their community. Powered by United Way of the National Capital Area, Do More 24 gives Catholic Charities a platform to ask for support of our Spanish Catholic Center food pantry.
The Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center has served Latinos and immigrants in the D.C. area for over 50 years. Located in the Mount Pleasant/Columbia Heights neighborhood, the center provides culturally competent and linguistically appropriate human services in a community-based location.
The pantry in the center on Monroe Street Northwest serves low-income individuals who are often underemployed and in need of supplemental assistance to ensure their family has enough to eat. Many of these individuals also use additional social services offered at the center such as medical, dental, legal and employment training.
Before COVID-19, the food pantry served as a weekly supplemental food resource for 50-75 families in the surrounding neighborhood. The health crisis drastically increased the basic human needs of the disadvantaged communities we serve, and the number of people coming to the food pantry increased substantially.
Although a full two years have passed since the pandemic began, the food pantry is still serving up to six times as many clients as before COVID. The immense need continues as illustrated by the 350 food packages and 400 bagged lunches given out by the food pantry in community distributions every other Wednesday.
Additional funding is needed to ensure we meet this continued demand and sustain this vital service for residents in our community. The food pantry has become a reliable source of nutritious food that the local community has come to rely on for assistance.
Your donation will help support us in keeping our pantry shelves stocked. Everyone deserves access to food, and you can play an important part in helping us continue to serve those in the community who need it the most.
Join us on May 18 by using our donation page and spread the word on social media to #DoMore24.
