What do you cut from your budget when your bank balance begins to dwindle? Maybe you fall behind on rent, skip meals, or find another way to get to work because you can no longer afford gas. Every payment carries added weight, and life becomes a series of questions: How will I pay for this?
For many of our neighbors, putting nutritious food on the table is one of the hardest costs to manage – the financial burden has only grown heavier.
According to Capital Area Food Bank’s 2026 Hunger Report, our community faces a somber reality: food insecurity in the greater Washington, D.C., region is now at a five-year high. Driven by job losses, inflation, and soaring grocery prices, it has surpassed pandemic-era levels.
Our neighbors are going hungry, but Catholic Charities DC is not remaining idle. In this past fiscal year alone, the agency served over 160,000 residents and distributed more than 3.7 million meals to individuals and families struggling to get enough to eat. Behind every meal, pantry item, and bag of groceries are the people who make it possible: our food heroes.
Affordable, Nutritious Food for Everyone
Hailing from a family of pastors, Ninochika Twitty became active in her community at an early age, helping with food drives, fundraising for her church, and organizing theater performances for incarcerated individuals. Ms. Twitty learned to live her life with Matthew 25:40 as her north star, and for 27 years, she has been a dedicated staff member of the Catholic Charities team.
As the SHARE Food Network’s Administrative and Volunteer Coordinator, Ms. Twitty makes an impact by recruiting volunteers to help distribute approximately 10,000 food packages each year.
“SHARE is not a food pantry,” said Ms. Twitty. “A food pantry has donated food items. We purchase all our food. Food pantries are generally free. We actually sell packages at a reduced cost to get the food into communities and schools.”
Each month, approximately 150 to 200 volunteers travel to the SHARE warehouse in Landover, Maryland, to pack fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins purchased from the same vendors that supply leading grocery stores. Once packed, the bags are distributed to approximately 150 organizations across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region where they are available for purchase at a 50% discount. SHARE provides affordable, nutritious food packages to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background. Ms. Twitty and the dedicated volunteers that are recruited are essential to getting this food to communities.
“We have some of the best volunteers in the Washington, D.C., area, and it’s a fun, engaging place to volunteer,” said Ms. Twitty. “We have volunteers of all ages. We play music, we have a good time, and you see the result. You’re making a difference in the community when you volunteer at SHARE.”
“If I can help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain. And every single day, I have the opportunity to change a person’s life. I have the opportunity to make an impression, and I have an opportunity to show Christ.”Ninochika Twitty, SHARE Food Network’s Administrative and Volunteer Coordinator
Feeding Southern Maryland’s Growing Need
“There’s been an increase in food insecurity that’s been going on,” said Janaclese Woods, Outreach Coordinator for Catholic Charities’ Southern Maryland Food Bank. “On average, it’s about 20-something people. The last time we met, we had about 37 families that came in. The need has been increasing. The calls come every day.”
Ms. Woods works to connect the communities of Charles and St. Mary’s counties with the assistance offered through the agency. Last year alone, over a million pounds of food and supplies were distributed to communities with the help of partner organizations. Ms. Woods played a key role in that accomplishment.
“I connect the community with the organization and the food bank. I go out and let people know what we offer and that we’re here to support them. I also manage two programs. One is the Senior Snack Saks, and the other is the Meals & Hope Food Truck,” said Ms. Woods.
The Meals & Hope Food Truck, the Southern Maryland Food Bank’s mobile food assistance program, prepares fresh, hot meals that are distributed on the first Monday of each month and every subsequent Wednesday. Everyone who visits the truck is served, and no requirements or registration are necessary to receive a meal.
“The need is great,” said Ms. Woods. “I get there an hour early, and people are still lined up waiting for a meal. I think that’s what sets us apart. We try not only to provide non-perishable items but also to offer hot meals. Sometimes, even when people are working, they may not have the resources to go home and prepare a full meal for their family. We try to fill that gap.”
Each month, the Southern Maryland Food Bank purchases food from the Maryland Food Bank. When the food arrives, volunteers help pack it into bags for distribution to 40 partner organizations. Most of these organizations are churches that operate as satellite food banks. This network ensures that even people living in more rural areas can access food locally.
Both Ms. Woods and Ms. Twitty have dedicated their lives in acts of kindness toward others, and both understand that the current crisis can only be addressed with the agency’s support alongside that of our volunteers and partners.
“That’s the greatest thing you can do – be of service to someone when they are in need,” said Ms. Woods.